Judge Rules Against FBI Agents in Jan. 6 Lawsuit
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U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of FBI agents challenging the Trump administration over concerns about potential identity disclosures related to the January 6 investigations. The agents argued that their safety could be compromised, but Cobb ruled that their fears were speculative and lacked supporting evidence. The decision marks a legal victory for the administration amid ongoing scrutiny of the Capitol riot investigations.
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Cobb said, “They do not plausibly allege that Defendants are about to engage in any of the conduct agents are worried about.” She added, “There is nothing in the complaint or the record that supports their argument.”
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Cobb wrote, “There is nothing in Plaintiffs’ amended complaint or the record before the Court—taken separately or considered together—from which the Court can reasonably conclude that Defendants have any plan to release Plaintiffs’ identities to the public.”
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The agents’ complaint lacked evidence of First Amendment violations in the DOJ’s review process. FBI Agents Association attorneys warned they will pursue further legal action if concerns persist.
FBI logo in Indianapolis office lobby
Attorney Mark Zaid stated, “I have little doubt that had we not intervened back in February, names of all Jan. 6 FBI personnel were going to be released. We stopped that cold. Five months later circumstances are different. But if threat arises again, we will sue.”
Attorney Emil Bove at Manhattan court
Cobb wrote, “Plaintiffs argue in their briefs that Defendants’ ongoing internal review of FBI agents is itself an adverse action that violates the First Amendment. But those allegations are conspicuously absent from the amended complaint—the document in which Plaintiffs must make the contours of their claims clear.”
Emil Bove testifies during Senate Judiciary hearing
Principal Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove stated the agent list may be used for performance reviews. He added that employees following procedures won’t face punishment.
Laura Mitchell covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
