WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI continues its personnel purge, dismissing additional agents and supervisors involved in the investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. This round of firings comes despite attempts by Washington's top federal prosecutor to halt at least some terminations, insiders revealed to The Associated Press.
Agents were informed this week of their dismissal, but the decision was temporarily paused after D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro raised concerns. However, they were ultimately terminated again on Tuesday, raising questions about the decision-making process within the FBI.
The unchanged number of dismissed agents remains unclear. This purge forms a part of a wider personnel upheaval initiated by Director Kash Patel, who has consistently removed senior officials from positions related to investigations that have drawn ire from the Trump administration. Three significant FBI officials filed a lawsuit against Patel last month, accusing him of succumbing to political influence and conducting a campaign of retribution.
Spokespeople for Patel and Pirro did not respond to requests for comment regarding the recent firings.
The FBI Agents Association, which has voiced criticism against Patel's actions, claimed that the director has disregarded legal protocols and embarked on a campaign of arbitrary retribution. Statements from the association suggested that the chaotic nature of these terminations indicates the mismanagement arising from ignoring established procedures.
The investigation surrounding the 2020 election, ultimately leading to Trump's indictment by special counsel Jack Smith, has faced intense scrutiny from GOP lawmakers who accuse the Biden administration's Justice Department of weaponization against conservatives.
According to reports, the Justice Department has also dismissed several prosecutors and employees involved in Smith's team, revealing a pattern of termination across various departments within the bureau.
Recent actions have included the ousting of the head of the bureau's Washington field office, as well as agents fired for participating in politically sensitive investigations related to protests following George Floyd's death and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
