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FBI supervisors nationwide have received directives to distribute questionnaires to select agents regarding their involvement in the investigations related to the January 6 Capitol riot. This action comes from sources within the Bureau and is part of a broader review process.
According to a source familiar with the situation, these questionnaires are being sent to over 1,000 FBI agents and support staff across various field offices, including those at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The questionnaire contains inquiries about the roles respondents may have undertaken, such as serving as an agent, providing management assistance, or gathering online intelligence. Additionally, it probes whether participants made any arrests, conducted interviews, executed search warrants, or appeared in court or before a grand jury.
Responses from supervisors are expected to be completed and submitted by Tuesday afternoon.
This move follows recent developments in Washington, D.C., where top prosecutor Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Martin received instructions to terminate prosecutors previously involved in the January 6 investigations. A separate directive from Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove demanded a comprehensive review of all FBI agents who had participated in the Capitol attack inquiries.
On Friday, Bove instructed acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll to compile a list of current and former FBI personnel assigned to the January 6 investigation to assess whether further personnel actions are warranted. This review is aimed at understanding the nature of the involvement and the appropriateness of the actions taken by these employees.
In a communication to its members concerning the questionnaire, the FBI Agents Association expressed concerns, stating, “We comprehend that this may give the impression that agents and employees are being singled out, despite repeated assurances that ‘all FBI employees will be protected against political retribution.'” However, it remains unclear who provided these assurances. The note emphasized that employees performing their roles to investigate criminal activities should not be equated with individuals engaging in wrongdoing.
Attorneys representing some affected FBI personnel have threatened to take legal action against the Justice Department over potential repercussions against agents who adhered to established protocols and lawful procedures during their investigations. In their correspondence with Bove, the lawyers argued that dismissing FBI employees for their roles in investigating the January 6 insurrection and former President Trump’s classified documents case could infringe on due process rights.
The attorneys further cautioned that exposing details about these individuals could jeopardize not only their safety but also that of their families, framing this course of action as a threat to national security.
In the New York FBI office, Assistant Director James Dennehy communicated to approximately 1,200 agents and support personnel that the Bureau is currently facing significant internal challenges. He noted that many individuals are being unjustly targeted merely for executing their duties according to the law. Dennehy pointed out that some agents are weighing resignation due to “deferred resignation” offers initiated during the Trump administration.
His memo encouraged agents to gather relevant information and consult their families before making any decisions regarding their employment status. He acknowledged Driscoll and Deputy Director Robert Kissane as exemplary leaders, concluding his message with sentiments on the loss of experienced personnel who have served the Bureau with integrity.
Assault On The U.S. Capitol
As the investigations and internal reviews continue, the implications of the January 6 events on the FBI’s workforce and operational integrity remain under scrutiny.
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