Overview
- The FBI hosted a two-day training with UFC fighters at its Quantico academy on March 14–15.
- Photos posted by U.S. Air Force attendee James Swann on LinkedIn showed the FBI director signing glossy pictures of himself.
- ProPublica journalist William Turton amplified the posts on X and highlighted Patel’s customized Nike shoes displaying a “9,” a K$H logo, a Punisher skull, and the FBI motto.
- Combat-sports observers objected to Patel stepping onto the mat in shoes, describing the move as disrespectful and unhygienic.
- Neither Patel nor the FBI has responded to the online criticism, which coverage situates within prior controversies during his tenure.