Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll instructed leaders of the FBI on Friday to provide the Justice Department with information about all current and former bureau employees who worked on January 6 investigations. The deadline for submitting this information is Tuesday. The Justice Department will review these employees to determine if any additional personnel actions are necessary.
Driscoll's email to all bureau personnel stated that the request covers thousands of employees nationwide who have supported the investigative efforts related to January 6. This list would also include Driscoll himself and the acting deputy director.
The interim DOJ leaders have spent the past week compiling the requested list, reflecting the new administration's swift response to President Donald Trump's concerns about the Justice Department and FBI. Trump has accused agents of misconduct during the search of his Mar-a-Lago property and in handling Capitol rioters, allegations that have been refuted.
The FBI and Justice Department declined to comment on the matter. Driscoll attached a memo from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove titled 'Termination,' requesting details such as current title, office assignment, role in the investigation, and last activity date for each employee on the list.
Reports of expected terminations on Friday caused concern among FBI agents and analysts, with one agent describing it as a move to hinder crime-fighting efforts. The notifications have raised questions about the bureau's independence moving forward, even for those employees who may not face termination.
