“FBI Nearing Deadline to Make Critical Decision”
Senior leaders at the FBI are preparing for an approaching deadline as they deliberate on whether to provide information requested by the Justice Department concerning bureau personnel involved in cases related to the January 6 Capitol riot, according to sources familiar with the matter. As of Monday, acting FBI director Brian Driscoll and other top FBI officials had yet to make a final decision on compliance with the order. Driscoll was recently directed by Trump appointees at the DOJ to supply information on all employees working on January 6 cases by Tuesday at noon ET.
The demand has sparked concern among FBI employees, who worry that it may lead to the identification of staff members for potential termination by the Trump administration, following the recent retirement of several senior bureau officials. Various options have been under consideration by senior FBI leadership, including Driscoll asserting his overall responsibility for all bureau employees, providing a list of names limited to senior FBI executives, or submitting a comprehensive list of employees involved in the extensive riot investigation as requested.
In a message to all FBI employees last Friday, obtained by CNN, Driscoll emphasized, “We are committed to following the law, adhering to FBI policy, and acting in the best interest of our workforce and the American people at all times.” As part of an internal review to determine the extent of staff involvement, employees connected to January 6 cases were required to complete surveys on their specific roles on Sunday.
The ongoing dispute over the potential removal of bureau personnel has prompted a coalition of advocacy groups representing federal law enforcement officers to call on congressional leaders to block any attempts by the Trump administration to dismiss career FBI officials. The head of the FBI’s New York field office has advised colleagues against resigning, asserting his support and protection for them.
Meanwhile, legal representatives for prosecutors and FBI agents have raised concerns about the due process rights of employees who worked on Trump-related investigations, threatening legal action in a letter to senior DOJ officials. The attorneys warned that public exposure of terminated employees could put them at risk of harassment or harm.
The letter, signed by attorney Mark Zaid, Norm Eisen, and retired District Judge Nancy Gertner, follows the dismissal of over a dozen officials involved in federal criminal investigations related to Trump.
A message from acting Attorney General James McHenry to officials stated that they cannot be “trusted” to “faithfully” carry out Trump’s agenda. Along with a questionnaire from the DOJ, FBI leaders have been directed to provide information by Tuesday regarding all current and former bureau employees who have worked on January 6 investigations at any point. On his first day in office, Trump granted a blanket pardon to those who were arrested and convicted for their involvement in the violent US Capitol riot.
One particularly passionate response came from James Dennehy, the top leader of the FBI’s New York field office. Dennehy informed his staff that he is ready to stand up and fight for them. A copy of Dennehy’s email obtained by CNN revealed his dedication:
“I still remember the first time I dug a foxhole in the Marines, back in 1993. I had nothing more than an E-tool (entrenching tool) that I carried around everywhere, a mini shovel of about 2 feet long. I spent the entire day digging to create a 2-foot by 2-foot hole in the hard ground, around five feet deep. It was tough, but it served its purpose. That foxhole provided me with the protection I needed for the battle ahead, and when the bullets started flying, the effort was worthwhile.
Today, we find ourselves in the midst of our own battle, as honorable individuals are being forced out of the FBI and others are being targeted for simply doing their jobs in line with the law and FBI policy. On a day like today, I feel the urge to locate my old E-tool, ready to sweat and toil to dig that foxhole. I sense the need to do right by this office.
I will stand by each one of you, supporting whatever personal decisions you make. However, I am here to defend you, your work, your families, and this team we proudly call the Flagship.
It’s time for me to stand my ground and fight for what is right.”
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