A top Democrat has accused the FBI director of causing a delayed response to high-profile cases in the US due to his personal use of the agency’s private jet.

Sen Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, called for a probe into FBI Director Kash Patel over what he called “irresponsible joyriding” in the bureau’s private aircraft.

He cited a whistleblower who alleged it slowed the FBI’s response to Utah after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was killed and Patel’s trip to Italy, where he was seen celebrating with the men’s USA hockey team after their Olympic win.

An FBI spokesperson disputed the allegations that Patel’s travels in any way hindered investigations.

FBI spokesman Ben Williamson called the claims both “false” and “egregious” and said, “Durbin and whoever he’s speaking to are full of it”.