The acting deputy attorney general has accused FBI leadership of 'insubordination' for not identifying a 'core team' of bureau employees who worked on January 6 investigations. In a memo obtained by a source, the acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove stated that rank-and-file agents who 'simply followed orders' will not face termination unless they 'acted with corrupt or partisan intent'.
The memo, sent via email on Wednesday, marks the first time the Justice Department has explicitly stated that the thousands of agents involved in January 6-related investigations will not be fired en masse. However, Bove did not rule out the possibility that some individuals could still face personnel actions, including termination or other penalties.
Bove emphasized in the email that FBI employees who carried out their duties ethically with respect to the January 6 investigations are not at risk of termination or other penalties. The memo highlighted that only those who acted with corrupt or partisan intent, defied orders from Department leadership, or misused their authority within the FBI should be concerned about potential consequences.
Last week, Bove directed the FBI to provide information on all current and former bureau employees who were involved in any capacity in the January 6 investigations. This directive led to disputes and legal challenges, with two lawsuits filed to prevent the Justice Department from collecting or disclosing the gathered information.
