FBI Director Kash Patel joined members of the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team in their locker room celebration after winning the gold medal in Italy on Sunday, February 22, 2026, a day marked by a separate shooting incident at Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Patel’s presence in the locker room, initially reported by The Independent, drew immediate scrutiny and subsequent defense from the FBI Director. He stated he was invited into the locker room by members of the team following their victory, according to reporting from The Hill. This explanation came in response to what Patel characterized as “backlash” regarding his attendance at the celebration.
Prior to the games, CBS News reported that Patel was utilizing agency jet travel to attend the Olympic hockey games in Italy. The timing of the trip, coinciding with the Mar-a-Lago shooting, amplified the attention on Patel’s activities. The New York Times noted the juxtaposition of the celebratory event with the Florida shooting.
In a statement to Time Magazine, Patel defended his decision to celebrate with the team, emphasizing the significance of the Olympic win for the United States. He did not directly address the timing of the celebration in relation to the shooting at Mar-a-Lago.
The FBI has not released further details regarding Patel’s travel arrangements or the nature of his interactions with the hockey team. As of Monday, February 23, 2026, the agency has not issued a public statement addressing the broader context of the events.
