Four FBI Agents Reassigned Over BLM Protest
Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
At least four FBI agents who held senior positions were recently reassigned due to photographs of them kneeling during 2020 protests in Washington, D.C. following George Floyd’s death. While some inside the bureau supported the kneeling as necessary to defuse tensions, others viewed it as damaging to law enforcement authority. The lack of a clear explanation for the reassignments under Director Kash Patel has reportedly left some agents frustrated.
Tulsi Gabbard, John Ratcliffe, and Kash Patel
Several agents moved from senior roles in counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and cybercrimes to new positions that appear to be demotions.
Kash Patel at the Conservative Political Action Conference
Director Kash Patel told Congress he is committed not to retaliating against political opponents during his confirmation hearing. Even so, concerns persist about actions from the Justice Department against people involved in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol riot.
Dan Bongino speaks in West Palm Beach
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said, “The Director and I are working on a number of significant initiatives to ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated, and that many of your open questions are answered.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation logo
One former official said, “We’re the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We’re trained to do investigations, not riot control."
Joe Biden gives a speech
Members of Congress during the Biden administration questioned why some agents in the controversial photos were later promoted. The situation comes amid rising tension between law enforcement leadership and political officials over possible bias at the FBI.
FBI and IRS agents conduct a search
An FBI spokesperson declined to discuss the personnel moves, following agency policy on internal matters. Unclear communication about the transfers has increased scrutiny from staff.
Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
