(The Hill) — FBI director Kash Patel ended his update Friday on the arrest of Tyler Robinson, the suspect accused in the fatal shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, with a curious message to Kirk: “Rest now, brother. We have the watch, and I’ll see you in Valhalla.”
The FBI didn’t immediately respond to The Hill’s request for clarification on the significance behind Patel’s sign-off, which has prompted speculation online about the “Valhalla” reference to Norse mythology.
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The overall message from the FBI chief seems to combine a traditional Navy retirement sentiment, “we have the watch,” with “until Valhalla,” which is a tribute often used for fallen Marines.
Neither Patel nor Kirk was a member of the military, but they appeared to be close friends.
The FBI director previously served at the Justice Department under the Obama administration and held roles with the House GOP during Trump’s first administration. He was often a guest on Kirk’s show on Real America’s Voice before he was confirmed to helm the intelligence agency.
The two appeared to have a friendly rapport, but their sign-offs were mostly mundane closing remarks without direct mythology or military mentions.
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Patel, 45, who is of Indian descent, was born in New York. Kirk, 31, grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and was an ardent Christian.
“Valhalla” is typically understood as a reference to one of five realms that souls go to after death in Norse mythology, which depicts it as a celebratory hall for slain warriors and noble political leaders under the god Odin.
The term is also prominently mentioned in the video game “Assassin’s Creed.”
