FBI Agents Sue DOJ Over Retaliation Claims in January 6th Cases

FBI Agents Sue DOJ Over Alleged Retaliation in January 6th Investigations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two groups of FBI agents have filed lawsuits against the Department of Justice, alleging unlawful retaliation and mass firings linked to their work on January 6th investigations. One of the lawsuits is a class action representing at least 6,000 FBI employees, with plaintiffs identified only as "John Doe" due to concerns for their safety and privacy.

The lawsuits come amid a wave of firings within the FBI. Last Friday, DOJ officials dismissed eight senior FBI leaders. Over the weekend, the acting FBI director resisted further firings, while employees were ordered to complete a questionnaire documenting their involvement in January 6th cases. On Monday, FBI leadership agreed to provide the DOJ with a list of agents who worked on those cases.

The lawsuits argue that these actions, coupled with statements from former President Trump criticizing the FBI, put agents at risk and constitute illegal retaliation. Attorneys for the agents claim that if mass terminations proceed, the FBI’s counterterrorism division will be significantly weakened.

"America is less safe because of these firings and the threatened firings to come," one agent stated in the lawsuit. Experts warn that losing thousands of agents involved in domestic terrorism cases could severely impact national security.

Adding to concerns, the lawsuits cite online calls from pardoned January 6th figures, such as a former Proud Boys leader, encouraging the public release of FBI agents' names to make them "pay for their crimes."

The legal battle underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding the January 6th investigations and raises questions about the independence of federal law enforcement under the current administration.