Utah News

Logan • Brad Mortensen is both one of Utah’s longest-serving public university presidents and among the state’s newest appointments.

That’s because he’s new to Utah State University but came to the helm after serving nearly seven years as president of Weber State University in Ogden.

Mortensen sat down with The Salt Lake Tribune in his recently unpacked Logan office to talk about how he’s walking that line between new and familiar — and how it will help him tackle a position marked in recent years by controversy.

Already, he’s got a Utah State football jersey on the wall with his name on it and a shelf with mementos from his time at Weber, too. He also brought books from his undergraduate philosophy and political science classes at USU, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1995. “The Prince” sits at the front.

“There’s a little Machiavelli in all of us,” Mortensen said with a wink and a laugh. “I just don’t know that we always acknowledge that.”

The new president — a tall, marathon-running alum — will now oversee a sprawling enterprise at USU, with nearly 30,000 students and 30 locations across the state.

These are his thoughts, lightly edited for clarity and length, on the university’s future, as well as how he plans to respond to state-imposed budgets cuts, concerns about presidential spending and threats to research funding.

You’re coming into a job that’s been marked by turmoil over the past few years, including concerns with athletics and mishandled sex assault cases. How will you resolve the issues you’re inheriting?

I was aware of some of the struggles that have happened here at Utah State in the past. At the same time, since it’s my alma mater, I know how many great things are happening here. And I felt like, because I am an alum, I am an Aggie, and I’m familiar with the climate here in Utah for higher education, that I could help. …

I wasn’t looking to leave Weber State. But this was a very unique opportunity. And I just saw it as an opportunity to really elevate higher education in the state, which is one of the core values I have from when I was a student on this same floor in this same building taking classes here.

One concern with USU’s past president was unchecked spending. What is your view on what’s necessary to buy in this job?

To me, these are important public positions at a public institution. It’s critical that you realize that and represent that.

Because of that, there can be some criticism and some oversight. … I always try to present myself so that I don’t have anything to hide. Sometimes you do have to spend some money when you’re in these positions to move things forward, but when we do that, we want to make sure we follow all the procedures and the protocols, and there’s a solid business case for it, and we spent the money in an appropriate way.

You are tasked with amending USU’s budget cut plans. Lawmakers specifically questioned if the school needed to add more nursing majors. Do you have ideas for what changes you’ll make?

That’s one of my first tasks. It’s important to get that plan approved before the 2026 legislative session starts so that’s not hanging over the university.

Legislative sessions can be difficult, but I view them as we have 45 days for the Legislature to help us. We need to position ourselves to be able to do that. I think getting the strategic reinvestment plan approved is critical for that.

We’ve reconvened the group that developed the initial plan, and then have had a working group to address some of the concerns that the Legislature has talked about.

I think nursing — there was some attention around that just because it’s not seen as core to USU as some of the other programs are, like engineering or agriculture, or the research that happens around air, water and land, or some of the things that we’re doing around AI (artificial intelligence), or to reflect some of our statewide role as a land-grant institution. So we’re really talking about — what is in the plan that addresses those issues? … We do have this new Center for Civic Excellence, and what we have there is really innovative. And does that need some resources?

So we’re taking a look at all of that now. We’re hoping to take that back to the Executive Appropriations Committee on Dec. 9 to get their final approval. There’s still a lot of work to do.

To me, that’s one of the three or four things that are vital that students should walk away from a college education with: To learn how to debate difficult subjects, to have that broad liberal arts education.

What’s happening here — I’m super excited to come to USU to be a part of this. We have some great folks leading out on it. It’s not just about civic education, but how do we reformulate general education so it’s not just a checklist of things you have to do. … It’s helping students have those civic and durable skills to be successful, no matter what their profession is afterward.

Whenever there are faculty concerns, I know faculty are coming from a legitimate place. We try to listen and work with those and find areas of compromise where can move forward together.

I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t have applied if it was an open process. … I was very happy at Weber State and still felt like I had a lot to do there. … I had been there a long time, almost seven years. I really wasn’t looking to leave.

It’s a balancing act, I know, because these are important positions where you’re a steward of the public trust. But my perspective is, if you want to have good candidates, you need to be able to provide them that opportunity to not put their current position at risk to apply.

I appreciated the process. I was honestly a little bit skeptical that word would not trickle out. And I felt like folks honored the requirements of keeping it confidential throughout, which I appreciated.

You’re the second longest-serving public university president in the state. That’s at a time when there’s been a lot of turnover in Utah higher education leadership, with the most at USU. How does that shape your role here?

The day of the announcement, I had a couple people [at USU] say this to me: “You’re going to be my fourth president in three years.” I felt that from people not just on campus but in the community.

When people ask me: How long are you going to do this job? My answer is: I hope I make it to Friday. Given the landscape, I always try to keep that in mind. Any of us are one decision or event that might be in our control — but might not be in our control — that would cause us to not be able to be in these roles.

Despite folks saying, “You have a tough job,” — and it is tough — it’s also one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. You get to see students come and just invest their wholes lives in this process that really is transformative.

USU is known for its agriculture programs. And you grew up on a farm. How does that play into your work?

So we grew alfalfa and barley. And [my dad] had about 50 head of cattle — just beef cows — so he didn’t have to milk them every day.

Calving season was always fun. If a calf was born during a snowstorm, I’d wake up to a calf in the bath tub in the morning. It was very much a rural upbringing, which I think helps — even though I didn’t study agriculture and didn’t go into that. … It grounded me into hard work and to appreciate some of the things that our extension programs do, to pivot this back to USU.

We flood-irrigated our fields growing up. Once I got older, like once I was 12 and my dad was working at the potato plant as well in town, that was my summer job. I was a kid and if there was something happening, I didn’t want to change the water when it was time, so I would waste so much water. I think about that.

There are other technologies and practices we can use, and water is such a valuable resource. Families that are spread all across Utah might not be aware of the technology or the grants or other stuff that might be available — stuff that’s being developed here — and that we can have that impact.

Utah’s higher education environment was rocked by the recent killing of commentator Charlie Kirk, who was later scheduled to speak at USU. There are concerns about having divisive speakers on campus, as well as schools being a place for free speech. How do you balance that?

It’s super important that we figure out how to provide the safety. Safety always has to be our No. 1 priority for folks. But we can’t not have speakers come to campus who speak on controversial topics. And so we have to make sure we’re doing all the appropriate things to provide as much safety and protocols as we can.

That’s one of the questions I’ve asked early on in these first few days. We have a good team; we’re used to doing large-scale events, between sporting events and other things. We know it’s critical to be able to partner with other law enforcement agencies in the community. …

To me, the funny thing about freedom of speech is everybody is for freedom of speech as long as they agree with the speech. And we, at universities, need to be the places that demonstrate that we can respect and listen to folks who have other opinions. That’s just something that’s severely lacking in society right now. I’m really committed to that.

The role of tuition is different at different types institutions. And USU is different types of institutions within itself. Part of what we did at Weber, around the associate degree tuition, was modeled after what’s happening at Price, because USU Eastern has that associate degree tuition there, and then a [separate] bachelor’s degree tuition. …

Across the board, sometimes it’s not just the cost but the transparency of the cost that is a hangup for students. I’ve already heard from some students here that sometimes, with different charges that we have around differential tuition or around course fees or other things, that we could be more transparent with that up front. I want to learn more about that, and look at how we can maybe help students be better aware when they’re seeking scholarships.

Scholarships are still a super important part of that plan. I’ve already met with some more donors here who are big scholarship supporters and heard some of the stories about why they do what they do. I want to continue to grow that base of scholarship support through philanthropy at USU, even though that is very strong already.

Overall in higher education, some of the criticisms that are out there nationally we deserve, because we haven’t been as cost-conscious as we should’ve been over time. Continuing to advocate for low tuition increases is something that is important to me.

At Weber, you defended the humanities during state-imposed budget cuts. Do you still have concerns there?

The humanities are undervalued right now. If you look at a lot of folks who are doing innovative things all across the world, they got their initial training in the humanities. There’s such a rich and fertile ground to teach people how to think and ask questions and to write.

Even in a world of AI, it becomes increasingly important that we don’t lose that human connection. So figuring out how to keep the humanities front and center as part of higher education is important.

The Center for Civic Excellence gives us an opportunity to reinvent that in a different way. … The way we teach humanities might need to evolve as technology and artificial intelligence and other things come into play, but still, I think, the humanities are going to be fundamentally important.

Higher education is in a tumultuous place right now, including significant cuts to federal research funding, which affects USU as an R1 institution. How do you plan to navigate that?

When I was back in [Washington,] D.C., I had a chance to meet with all six members of our [federal] delegation and talked about the importance of research funding. …

There’s a much more direct connection with Utah State than there was at my previous institution, with regard to the federal government. That is evolving right now. We need [them] to be our advocate and our champion.

I had some really good conversations, especially with the staff on the Senate side, about them recognizing the importance of maintaining research funding and thinking about the vital role. It’s going to help us come up with solutions for our air quality, for our utilization of our water and land and the better use of critical minerals. We have to keep that pipeline going, even though it’s under attack. …

I just hope that we can have a seat at the table and not have things imposed on us from folks who may or may not actually understand how public land-grant institutions like Utah State are working — or institutions all across the state of Utah, for that matter.

USU has a unique land-grant mission. What do you want to do to support and expand on that?

It does create that opportunity to have a positive impact on every family and household across the state — even if they don’t recognize it or see themselves as associated with USU. But that’s part of our charge and responsibility.

It’s through the extension programs, where we reach out and support 4H programs in the community, or master gardeners, or those other enriching parts of peoples’ lives that get them out from behind their screens and just connecting with the beautiful world that we live in. I think that’s a great thing.

We also have that obligation on the research front. I haven’t even talked about energy yet. But that’s another huge area as we partner with folks in Uinta Basin and eastern Utah, where we have a lot of really rich resources.

What are the best ways we can utilize those responsibly, as stewards, and still help meet growing energy needs of our state? [How can we] also look at developing other energy applications, whether that’s nuclear, or renewables, and all of these other things that the governor and our state leaders are talking about?

Our land-grant mission really positions Utah State to be a leader in those areas. If we’re not being a leader, then we’re not doing our job. … I’m going to be the advocate in helping our expert researchers have the resources and support and connections they need to make a difference.

I don’t want it to come across as bragging, but if you’re a first-generation college student, that shouldn’t stop you from reaching anything.

I mean, not only was I a first-generation college student, but I basically flunked my first two colleges classes, so I did not start out well. … I just want students to know — if they can just see me and think, “Man, a first-generation student can become the president of the university that he’s at. If he can do that, anybody can, and I can do anything.”

I just think students don’t understand how much potential they have. I want them, if they can see that through me a little bit, to have me as their biggest cheerleader and supporter. And just knowing that there’s some stability in the president’s office — and the president was once a student who walked these same sidewalks like they’re walking — is important.

When you think back on your time as a student at USU, what was your favorite part?

I just remember sitting here [in this same building], studying between classes and seeing administrators walk back and forth, because these offices were still here, and they were walking in the halls between meetings. … I thought I knew what surreal meant, but it’s been a whole different level of surreal to be back.

I think about printing off a paper in the old library and sprinting across the quad to turn it in on the third floor, upstairs, at the last minute. I still procrastinate. Even walking across the sidewalk, I remember, “Hey, this is where I saw a friend and visited with them.” All of these memories just kind of come rushing back. They’re all just these little treasures, and make me feel really honored and humbled to be here now.

I hear the new president at USU gets to create a new flavor of Aggie ice cream. What is your current favorite flavor? And what new flavor are you considering?

I have always loved Aggie Blue Mint. I just don’t know how you could ever even improve upon it. But apparently this is a thing.

I have a text message, because I know one of the guys who works over in the creamery, and he was like, “OK, so we have to talk about your ice cream flavor.” We’ll see where this goes. To be continued.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I know there will be challenges that happen again. I don’t imagine that I will handle every situation perfectly, but we want to learn from those and we want to be transparent about it.

We also want to highlight all the great things that are happening here. There are so many amazing faculty and staff and students and researchers and community partners who are investing a lot because they believe in Utah State.

Note to readers • This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.

The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Utah Jazz, winning 131-101, on Friday night at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The win was OKC’s 23rd in 24 games and 15th consecutive.

The Thunder’s 15-straight victories tie the franchise record. OKC is the third team to start a season 23-1 or better, with the 1969-70 New York Knicks starting 23-1 and the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors starting 24-0.

The Thunder had seven names on the injury report tonight, including superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The heavy injury burden didn’t matter, as OKC danced to a 30-point victory.

Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams each scored 25 points on the night, showcasing their elite abilities as draft classmates. Aaron Wiggins scored 19.

Here are three takeaways from the dominant Oklahoma City victory.

1. A Thunder Avalanche

Without Gilgeous-Alexander, it was a question of how the Thunder would start on offense. From the opening tip, shots rained from all across the perimeter for Oklahoma City.

In the first quarter, the Thunder set a franchise record on three-pointers made in a single period with 11. On 17 attempts, the Thunder shot 64.7% from distance.

Shooting wasn’t the only efficient aspect for OKC, as the team assisted on 15 made shots, while turning the ball over once. Jaylin Williams, in his second consecutive start, led the charge as a facilitator for the Thunder with three early assists in the period.

No player was hotter than Branden Carlson, a native of Utah, who scored 11 of his 13 points in the first quarter, knocking down three triples in the period.

In all aspects of the game, the Thunder dominated the Jazz in the first quarter, which carried on the rest of the way. An immaculate aerial assault from all angles was a big reason why.

2. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams Dominate

In the absence of an MVP, the Thunder’s two young stars controlled the pace of the game to will the Thunder to another dominant victory. Holmgren and Williams combined for 50 points in Oklahoma City’s 30-point win.

Neither player touched the floor in the fourth quarter, as Holmgren played 23 minutes and Williams played 25.

Holmgren dominated from two-point range, scoring 25 points on 12-of-15 shooting, 1-of-2 from three. He added nine rebounds and two blocks to his statistical totals as well.

Williams looked the most comfortable he has looked since coming back from surgery, scoring 25 points as well. He shot 11-of-19 from the floor and added eight assists, two steals and three rebounds.

Holmgren adds to his All-Star resume, while Williams continues to get into midseason form.

3. The Thunder Have a Ridiculous Abundance of Depth

The Thunder injury report contained seven names, which included Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe. Despite the large tally of key rotation players sidelined, the Thunder played one of the most dominant games of the entire season.

From the top to the bottom of their rotation, the Thunder had elite performances. 6-of-11 available Thunder players scored in double-digits, 54.5%.

For the second straight game, every active Thunder player scored a point.

Cason Wallace had a complete performance, scoring six points, grabbing two rebounds and picking up four assists and five steals on the night as a game-high +32. The reigning Defensive Player of the Month continued his push for his first All-Defensive team nomination.

Wiggins racked up another solid performance since returning from injury, scoring 19 points while hitting five triples. Ousmane Dieng had his best performance of his season in an extended run, scoring 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting.

Kenrich Williams played his best game of the season, tallying 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 24 minutes. Carlson was active early, scoring 13 points in his home state.

The Thunder do not have an unplayable player on the roster, fully boasting one of the deepest rosters the league has ever seen.

Dec. 7, 2025, 11:05 p.m. CT

College football’s bowl season is upon us. The 2025-26 College Football Playoff field was unveiled on ESPN on Sunday. Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas Tech, Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Alabama, Oklahoma, Miami, Tulane and James Madison will make up the 12-team field. Notre Dame, which went …

WINTERBERG, Germany (AP) — Austria’s Hannah Prock and Germany’s Merle Fraebel both won a pair of medals Sunday in World Cup luge races.

Prock won the women’s singles race with Fraebel finishing second. Austria’s Dorothea Schwarz took third for the first World Cup singles medal of her career.

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In the team relay, Fraebel and Germany took the gold, with Prock and Austria placing second. Latvia was third, the only medal out of 15 awarded during the weekend that wasn’t won by either Germany or Austria.

USA Luge did not compete in Winterberg, opting instead to stay home and prepare for World Cups over the next two weeks on their tracks in Park City, Utah, and Lake Placid, New York. This weekend’s races are not part of the Olympic qualifying system, another reason why the Americans opted to pass.

Up next

Bobsled: World Cup racing resumes Saturday and Sunday at Lillehammer, Norway.

Skeleton: Men’s, women’s and mixed team races on Friday at Lillehammer, Norway.

Luge: World Cup racing resumes Friday and Saturday at Park City, Utah.

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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

Utah is at a crossroads in its energy future. Our state is growing, technology is advancing and communities are demanding reliable, affordable and forward-looking energy solutions. These changes require open dialogue, strong collaboration and a willingness to adapt — not the heavy-handed tactics of the past.

Unfortunately, recent events have shown that not all participants in Utah’s energy landscape are committed to those principles.

In recent weeks, representatives of Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) — Utah’s largest regulated monopoly — took actions that undermine fair dialogue by pressuring industry organizations to remove members of the Beehive Energy Alliance from their boards. The reason? Our independent efforts to advance energy innovation, diversification and modernized infrastructure across Utah.

Let me be clear: We do not believe these actions represent the entire organization or its workforce. RMP employs thousands of dedicated, mission-driven professionals — engineers, planners, line workers, analysts and managers — who work tirelessly to serve Utah’s families and businesses. Our concern is not with them. Our concern is with the actions of a small number of individuals in leadership or legislative affairs who used institutional influence in ways that discourage constructive dialogue and weaken trust across the energy community.

This behavior is harmful, unnecessary and inconsistent with the responsibilities of a regulated monopoly entrusted with serving millions of Utahns. When a monopoly uses its influence to silence policy discussion or punish groups offering new ideas, the entire state loses.

The Beehive Energy Alliance was created to unite the full spectrum of Utah’s energy ecosystem: private-sector innovators, utilities, community leaders, energy developers, grid-technology pioneers, researchers, manufacturers and policymakers. Our mission is to strengthen Utah’s long-term energy reliability and accelerate the world-class solutions being built right here in our state.

We support electrification, distributed energy, microgrids, advanced storage systems, emerging reactor technologies and policy frameworks that allow new ideas and technologies to thrive alongside traditional energy infrastructure.

We believe Utah is strongest when ALL VOICES — utilities, independent developers, researchers, universities, local governments, small businesses and community groups — are at the table.

And now more than ever, Utah needs more voices at that table.

Recent events have highlighted the need for greater transparency, broader collaboration, and more partners willing to step forward to help shape Utah’s energy future. That is why the Beehive Energy Alliance is extending an open invitation to organizations across the state — industry groups, nonprofits, research institutions, tribal partners, technology companies, municipalities and energy innovators — to join this coalition.

There is room for everyone. And the work ahead is far too important for anyone to be left out.

Of course, collaboration only works when all parties act with integrity. When Rocky Mountain Power pressures partner organizations to punish or remove dissenting viewpoints, it signals a deeper institutional issue: resistance to innovation, fear of competition or an unwillingness to accept that Utah’s energy landscape is rapidly changing.

Energy policy is not a zero-sum game. Utah’s future is big enough for utilities, innovators, new technologies and emerging industries. What matters is that every participant contributes honestly, transparently and with a shared sense of responsibility.

Despite recent events, the Beehive Energy Alliance remains committed to collaborating with RMP as an institution. We believe in working with all Utah energy stakeholders — including those who may disagree with us — to find real solutions. That includes extending an open invitation to RMP’s policy, legislative and strategic leadership to work alongside our board, which includes state legislators, researchers, developers and grid technology innovators. When we sit at the same table, we all win.

Several Utah leaders and organizations have already reaffirmed their support for the Beehive Energy Alliance following these events. They understand that innovation thrives when diverse voices participate freely and when policy discussions happen in the open, not behind closed doors.

The Beehive Energy Alliance remains fully committed to constructive engagement. We welcome disagreement. We value debate. We believe that the best solutions emerge when ideas are tested — not suppressed.

Utah deserves an energy ecosystem built on trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation. It deserves institutions that lead with integrity, not intimidation. And it deserves a future where new ideas are encouraged — not punished.

December is here, and that means it’s time for one of our favorite KSL traditions: celebrating the most festive Utah Christmas lights, neighborhood decorations and holiday events across the state.

The KSL 2025 Utah Christmas lights and holiday events map is officially live, and now we need your help filling it with the best displays across the state. Whether your home shines with thousands of bulbs or your street features a long-loved neighborhood tradition, we want to feature it. (With permission from the homeowners, of course).

Help us build Utah’s brightest holiday map — your submissions make this statewide guide possible for families across Utah.

Explore the 2025 Utah Christmas lights and events map

New displays are added regularly — check back often to see what’s lighting up Utah.

The map is also available here.

Submit your Christmas lights display

Want your home or neighborhood featured on the KSL Christmas Lights Map?

Email your display to holidaydisplays@ksl.com.

Include the following:

• Full address

• At least one photo of the display (night shots preferred for clarity)

• Any special notes: music-synced lights, walk-through details, hours, FM station, themes, etc.

• Optional: Include a name for your display; we may use it as part of your listing

Submission guidelines:

Only submit your own decorations or obtain permission from the property owner.

• Displays will be reviewed and added throughout December.

• Early submissions help more visitors find your display.

What kind of Utah Christmas light displays are we looking for?

We welcome all types of holiday displays across Utah, big or small.

This includes:

• Fully decorated homes

• Synchronized musical Christmas light shows

• Neighborhood or cul-de-sac displays

• Walk-through light experiences

• Nativity scenes

• Large inflatables and themed characters

• Animated or color-changing displays

• DIY or handmade light creations

• Community Christmas light shows and holiday events

If it spreads holiday cheer, we want to help people discover it.

Tips for submitting a great display

Help your home shine on the map:

• Take photos after dark for the best visibility.

• Capture the entire house or the main feature of your display.

• Mention if the lights sync to a radio station or playlist.

• Include details about unique elements or homemade pieces.

• Note whether the display is walk-through, drive-by, or both.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the best Christmas lights in Utah in 2025?

The KSL Christmas lights map highlights popular displays across Utah, including neighborhood homes, community shows and large attractions.

How do I submit my Christmas light display to KSL?

Email your address, photos and details to holidaydisplays@ksl.com. New displays will be added throughout December.

Do I need to pay to get my house on the KSL Christmas Lights Map?

No. Submitting a display to the KSL Christmas lights map is entirely free.

How often is the Utah Christmas Lights Map updated?

Updates happen regularly as new submissions come in.

Can I submit someone else’s Christmas light display?

Yes — but please first get the homeowner’s permission.

Does the map include Utah holiday events, too?

Yes! Tree lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, parades and other festive events may be added as they are submitted.

Are there free Christmas light displays in Utah?

Absolutely. Many of the most popular Utah Christmas light displays on the map are free for families to visit.

Hours after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed during an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem, FBI Director Kash Patel told the world: “The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.”

But the attorney appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the bureau posted a correction less than two hours later, saying that person had been released. The alleged shooter was not arrested until more than 24 hours after that post.

Within a week, Patel faced questions on his handling of the incident during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing. A report submitted by “a national alliance of retired and active-duty FBI agents and analysts” to that body and the House Judiciary Committee, and leaked to the New York Post this week, raises more concerns about Patel’s approach to the Kirk slaying investigation.

The Utah anecdotes in the 115-page report were relayed by two FBI veterans who each spoke with separate agents who had ties to the Kirk case.

One agent was described as someone who has worked in the bureau for multiple decades. The second, who the report described as a Trump supporter, is also “a highly decorated, respected leader with extensive experience conducting a wide variety of complex criminal and national security investigations, including investigations conducted overseas.”

Utah’s only member of Congress on either of the judiciary committees is Sen. Mike Lee. His office did not respond to multiple questions about whether the senator read the November report, his opinions on it and if he has discussed the case with agents from the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office.

The Republican majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee has not released any statements on the report.

Ranking member Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., however, wrote, “This stark assessment of the damage Kash Patel has done to the nation’s leading law enforcement agency cries out for one—just one—Republican Senator to break the ranks of silence and demand that Kash Patel be held accountable for his mismanagement of the FBI.”

Since the report’s release earlier this week, Patel has given interviews to multiple right-leaning media outlets, denying many of its claims.

In a post on the social media platform X with a clip from an appearance on Fox News, Patel said, “Fake news can spread false stories from anonymous sources about me and a jacket all they want — when they come for you it only means you’re hitting the target. Pound sand. Mission and results are the only things that matter and @FBI team is crushing it.”

Delayed by a missing FBI raid jacket

According to one FBI agent, when Patel arrived at the Provo Airport in Utah the day after Kirk was shot — and the suspected shooter was still at large — the director would not disembark from his plane without an FBI raid jacket. Patel did not have his own jacket with him.

“Many FBI Special Agents (and other FBI personnel) were busy working in the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk and … FBI personnel had to (stop and) ask around to find an FBI raid jacked — a medium-sized one — that would fit FBI Director Kash Patel,” the report says.

There were reportedly “many large and extra-large FBI raid jackets available” that were not suitable for the director. Ultimately, agents “finally found” a medium-sized jacket belonging to a female FBI Special Agent that Patel could borrow.

Patel noticed that jacket, though, did not have Velcro patches on the upper sleeves, and allegedly demanded patches be added before he left the plane. The report says members of an FBI SWAT team “took patches off their uniforms and ran those patches over to FBI Director Kash Patel at the airport.”

Patel has repeatedly characterized the episode as “100% false.”

Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote of the incident in his statement, “America deserves better than this self-absorbed FBI Director fussing over his wardrobe in the midst of a national crisis.”

‘Expletive-laden tirade’

Prior to Patel’s arrival in Utah, one agent said he “was not happy with how the FBI investigation was going and the information he (the FBI Director) was receiving.”

That agent reported Patel called Salt Lake City’s special agent in charge Robert Bohls, yelled, and asked if he needed to travel to Utah to run the investigation.

The report says Patel at one point went on an “expletive-laden tirade … regarding perceived blunders” in the Kirk shooting investigation when speaking with Bohls. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino reportedly later called Bohls to apologize, “saying that never should have happened.”

‘Motivated by his desire to draw attention’

Both sources who discussed Patel’s performance during the Kirk shooting investigation commented on local agents’ negative impression of the director following his time in Utah.

The agent that expressed support for Trump described Patel as “not very good.”

That source, according to the report, “likes FBI Director Kash Patel’s aggressiveness (i.e., how the Director pushes back against critics to move the FBI in a new direction), but … said Director Patel strikes him/her as ‘odd,’ adding that he/she believes Director Patel’s performance to date in his role as the leader of the FBI is ‘concerning.’”

The agent said Patel appears to lack self-confidence, pointing to his presence at a news conference where the director stood alongside Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. The source observed “the Director’s eyes darting around the room,” saying he looked “uneasy.”

“[The source] said he/she believes former FBI Director James B. Comey made some bad decisions and was not good for the FBI, but even former Director Comey … appeared to possess the kind of demeanor and FBI Director should have, which FBI Director Kash Patel does not,” the report says.

They also believe Patel is inexperienced, according to the report, and cited the director’s communication with the public in the wake of Kirk’s killing, saying he revealed too much about evidence collected during the investigation. Patel’s actions “strayed from … proper protocol,” the report said, with the source adding that Patel “should know better” because of his background as an attorney.

“Patel may have been motivated by his desire to draw attention to himself or by his desire to glorify his performance as FBI Director,” the agent speculated in the report.

When Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced charges against suspected shooter Tyler Robinson, a reporter asked why his office was more measured than federal officials in distributing information about the case. Gray responded, “As attorneys, we typically like to control that information to preserve an impartial jury and a fair trial.”

The source later agreed that “Patel may have been selected above all else for his loyalty to the President and not necessarily because Director Patel checked all the boxes required for anyone to effectively serve as the leader of the FBI.”

The second agent who was cited as a source in the report said Patel seemed to take undue credit “for the good work by other agencies” in the case.

“Patel seemed to imply the results achieved in the investigation would not have been possible without his (the Director’s) involvement,” the report said.

When Patel spoke at a news conference announcing Robinson’s arrest two days after the shooting, he stood in front of cameras and addressed FBI employees, saying, “You have done monumental work in historic time when the public, who had a right to demand such an expeditious solving of an investigation — the FBI answered that call diligently. [It was] critically important to our nation, and we delivered. And I’m proud to be their leader, and I’m proud to be the director of the FBI.”

Salt Lake Tribune reporter Robert Gehrke contributed to this story.