FBI Director Kash Patel Fires Back at Critics Following His Celebrations with U.S. Hockey Team

Kash Patel caused an uproar on social media after he joined the U.S. hockey team in the locker room during their Olympic gold medal celebrations.

FBI Director Kash Patel Fires Back at Critics Following His Celebrations with U.S. Hockey Team

FBI Director Kash Patel would celebrate with Team USA in the locker room after they won the Olympic gold (Image via X/@WilliamTurton/Fox News)

On Sunday, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Kash Patel found himself being criticized on social media following his celebrations with the U.S. Hockey Team. He would later fire back at this backlash and defend his actions.

Earlier in the day, Team USA locked horns with Team Canada for the Olympic gold medal match. This was the first meeting between the two countries since the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game, which saw Canada beat their neighbors 3-2 in overtime through a Connor McDavid goal.

USA landed the opening punch as they took the lead in the first period through Matt Boldy. He would skate past the Canadian defense and easily bury his effort to put his side 1-0 with their first shot of the game.

Canada would level the scores in the second period through Cale Makar. A snipe shot from the Colorado Avalanche star would beat goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and fly into the net.

The two sides kept pushing for a winner in the regulation period. An incredible save from Hellebuyck denied Devon Toews from close range. Nathan MacKinnon would miss an open goal as he put his effort side of the post in the third period.

With the game tied at 1-1 after three periods, overtime was required to separate the two teams. Jack Hughes turned out to be the American hero, slamming home the winner in the 3-on-3 and helping his side capture the gold medal.

As the celebrations commenced in America, Kash Patel found his name in the headlines. The FBI director was seen wildly celebrating with Team USA members in the locker room.

In the video circulating on social media, Patel can be seen in a Team USA hockey jersey and chugging some beer. He would then jump and dance around while celebrating with the team.

A few moments later, forward Matthew Tkachuk would put the gold medal around Patel’s neck. The 45-year-old would then join the group in dancing to the song “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by the late Toby Keith.

This video would cause a massive uproar as many questioned why he was celebrating with the team. A few hours after this, the FBI director would address the backlash and defend his actions in a post on X.

For the very concerned media – yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys- Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.

Kash Patel on X

This win marked America’s first Olympic gold medal in men’s ice hockey since 1980. Coincidentally, this win came on the 46th anniversary of the “Miracle of Ice” game, which saw America beat the dominant Soviet Union 4-3 before beating Finland to capture the gold.

Kash Patel labeled Team USA stars as “legends” following their gold medal win

Team USA hoisted their flag on top of the ice hockey mountain once again on Sunday as they took down their arch rivals, Team Canada, in the gold medal match. After their famous triumph, Kash Patel would dub the Team USA stars as “legends” of the game.

Kash Patel
Kash Patel (Image via NBC News)

It had been more than four-and-a-half decades since the USA won Olympic gold medal in men’s ice hockey. They lost twice in the gold medal match against Canada in 2002 and then in 2010.

On Sunday, they were able to avenge those wins and even settle the scores regarding their 4 Nations Face-Off loss last February. In a post on X, Patel would share photos of the team celebrating their victory and penned down a message.

Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude- what it takes to be the best in the world. These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants.

Kash Patel on X

This triumph also marked a double for Team USA over Canada in ice hockey. On Thursday, the U.S. women’s ice hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime through a Megan Keller golden goal to clinch their 3rd Olympic gold medal as well.

Speaking of the Games, the USA finished with 33 medals (12 golds, 12 silvers and 9 bronzes) and was ranked 2nd. Norway finished on top with 41 medals (18 golds, 12 silvers and 11 bronzes).

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