WASHINGTON — In a recent memo, a senior official from the Justice Department reassured FBI personnel that those who correctly executed their roles during the January 6 Capitol riots are not facing termination. This communication, originating from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, sought to clarify the ongoing unrest within the bureau following last week’s controversial request for information about agents involved in the investigation.
Bove’s memo did not provide comfort for agents who may have engaged in activities with “corrupt or partisan intent.” The Trump administration’s Justice Department is currently commencing a review intended to identify any potential misconduct, which raises concerns among agents who may be implicated in any wrongdoing. The memo also included allegations of “insubordination” against acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll.
The request for the names of agents involved in the January 6 investigations has sparked fears within the FBI that it could lead to widespread firings, especially amid recent actions that have seen members of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team reassigned or dismissed, along with other high-level changes within the department. This has played into the narrative propagated by Trump and his allies, alleging that the Biden administration is utilizing the Justice Department as a weapon against conservatives.
Further heightening tensions, FBI employees who took part in the January 6 investigations received inquiries over the weekend, requesting detailed insights into their involvement. This request comes at a precarious time as disciplinary measures are being contemplated within the new Justice Department regime under Trump.
In an attempt to halt the information gathering, FBI personnel have filed two lawsuits aimed at blocking the collection of agents’ names linked to the investigations. Bove’s memo pointed out Driscoll’s reluctance to disclose the core team handling the Capitol riot inquiries, prompting Bove to expand the request to encompass all involved agents after Driscoll’s refusal to cooperate.
The FBI has refrained from commenting on the allegations of insubordination directed at Driscoll. It’s worth noting that it is quite atypical for career FBI agents to be scrutinized, particularly as they do not choose their assignments and typically do not face discipline for involvement in politically charged cases. There is also a lack of evidence suggesting any agents or attorneys engaged in misconduct during the prosecutions related to the riots.
Bove emphasized in the memo that agents who conducted their duties ethically need not worry about consequences. “Let me be clear,” he stated, “No FBI employee who simply followed orders and carried out their duties in an ethical manner with respect to January 6 investigations is at risk of termination or other penalties.” However, he cautioned that any individuals who acted with improper motives or defied directives from department leadership have legitimate reasons to be concerned about the ongoing review process initiated by his earlier memo.
