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FBI Complies with Justice Department Request Amid Concerns of Retaliation
The FBI has responded to a directive from the U.S. Justice Department by providing a list of agents involved in investigations relating to the January 6, 2021, insurrection. This decision follows a week of tension and heightened concerns among bureau employees regarding possible reprisals from a potential future Trump administration.
Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll informed staff via email, as reported by CNN, that he had cautioned the Justice Department about the implications of making agent identities public.
“I want to be clear that as of now we do not have information indicating the Department of Justice intends to disseminate these lists publicly, and they are fully aware of the risks we believe are inherent in doing so,” Driscoll stated. He assured employees that they would be promptly informed if the situation changed.
On Tuesday, the FBI delivered details, excluding specific names, about approximately 5,000 to 6,000 agents who were involved in cases pertaining to the January 6 riots and Trump’s illegal attempts to retain power following the 2020 election defeat. This submission was part of an attempt to comply with a request from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, which sought information concerning employees’ identification numbers, titles, and roles.
In response to the government’s actions, two unidentified groups of agents filed a lawsuit aimed at preventing the Justice Department from collecting and revealing personal information. They argue this would violate privacy protections and expose them to vindictive actions from Trump and his allies, especially after Trump recaptured the presidency in November.
The plaintiffs pointed out that Trump had previously ordered the dismissal of several prosecutors involved in cases against him, expressing fears about potential job losses “in the very near future.” Their lawsuit seeks a restraining order to stop any public release of the names, describing such an act as doxing. A hearing is set in Washington, D.C., on Friday, where District Judge Jia Cobb will consider whether to extend a temporary order.
Bove clarified in an email that the intention behind the information request is not revenge but to validate that proper protocols were followed during the investigations. He emphasized: “Let me be clear: 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.”
According to Bove, only those individuals who acted with corrupt intent or disregarded departmental standards should be concerned about the ongoing review prompted by his memo dated January 31, 2025.
Driscoll also voiced apprehension regarding the safety of FBI personnel, addressing the potential threats posed to their families should their identities be made public. Despite refusing to support mass firings at the FBI, he reportedly faces scrutiny due to his involvement in January 6-related inquiries, along with Deputy Robert Kissane.
The lawsuit additionally uncovered a questionnaire issued by the Justice Department to FBI agents, soliciting information about their roles, rankings, and responsibilities throughout the investigations. The questions encompassed a variety of actions, including arrests, evidence gathering, subpoena management, witness interviews, and court testimonies.
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