'Wasn't He Raised Hindu?': Kash Patel Under Fire For 'Valhalla' Tribute To Charlie Kirk

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 22:37 IST

Kash Patel bid farewell to conservative activist Charlie Kirk by invoking "Valhalla," a concept from Norse mythology that represents the afterlife for warriors who die in battle.

FBI Director Kash Patel bid farewell to Charlie Kirk in Utah. (Reuters)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel came under fire on Friday for paying tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, with a nod towards Valhalla.

During an emotional farewell at the press conference of the arrest of Charlie Kirk’s alleged shooter, Patel said, “Rest now, brother. We have the watch, and I’ll see you in Valhalla."

Valhalla is a concept from Norse mythology which refers to an enormous hall in Asgard, the realm of the gods. It is believed that warriors who die bravely in battle go to Valhalla, and they are selected by warrior maidens known as Valkyries. Valhalla has been widely popularised in numerous movies, TV shows and video games.

Patel, who was already facing criticism after the FBI caught the wrong suspect in Kirk’s murder, came under more fire for his ‘Valhalla’ comment, with people pointing to his religion. Several users said Patel, being a Hindu, and Kirk, being a Christian, would not be allowed to enter the actual ‘Valhalla’.

“Wasn’t Kash Patel raised Hindu? Why is he talking about Valhalla. My brother, you have so many more cycles left in the samsara," a user wrote. Another replied, “A Hindu just said he would see a Christian in Valhalla. Kash Patel is one weird dude."

“If Kash Patel ends up in Valhalla, Odin is going to have a serious talk with his staff," another person said.

However, many users came to Patel’s defence, saying the phrase used by the FBI director is used by military members, particularly those serving in the Marine Corps. “This is how you know Kash Patel is one of the good guys. Valhalla is reserved for those who fall in battle – fighting the good fight," an individual said.

Kash Patel’s Hindu Origins

Kashyap Pramod Patel, 44, was born in New York on February 25, 1980, to Gujarati immigrant parents from East Africa and pursued a career in law. Patel traces his roots to Bhadran village in Gujarat’s Anand district, from where his family migrated to Uganda 70 to 80 years ago.

Patel was born and raised in a Hindu family, although he rarely speaks aboit his religion publicly. His uncle had earlier told The Indian Express that Patel was a devotee of Lord Shiva, Hanuman and Ganesha.

When he was sworn in as FBI Director, Patel broke tradition by taking oath on the Bhagavad Gita, the sacred Hindu scripture, instead of the Bible.

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

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News world 'Wasn't He Raised Hindu?': Kash Patel Under Fire For 'Valhalla' Tribute To Charlie Kirk

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