The Justice Department's second in command has accused FBI leadership of 'insubordination' for not disclosing the names of Washington, D.C.-based agents overseeing the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot probe.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove expressed frustration in an email to the FBI workforce, stating that despite multiple requests, FBI leaders refused to identify the core team involved in the investigation.
Standoff Over Names
The email revealed Bove's insistence on a comprehensive list of all FBI personnel linked to the Jan. 6 matter after the initial request was rebuffed by senior FBI officials.
Emphasizing the need for transparency, Bove's directive aims to ensure a thorough review of the core team involved in the investigation, as mandated by an Executive Order to prevent politicization of law enforcement agencies.
Bureau-Wide Alarm
The demand for information sparked concerns within the FBI workforce, leading to speculations of potential terminations and resistance to compliance.
Several agents and the FBI Agents Association resorted to legal action to halt the release of the extensive list requested by Bove by a specific deadline.
Reassurance Amid Tensions
Bove sought to allay fears of repercussions among rank-and-file agents, assuring that only those displaying corrupt behavior or defying orders are at risk.
The memo did not detail consequences for the accused FBI leadership, raising questions about the agency's future direction under new appointments.
While the White House has not addressed the leadership transition within the FBI, the situation remains fluid.
Response to Memo
Requests for comments on Bove's memo were redirected to Justice Department representatives, who have yet to respond to inquiries.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Justice Department and FBI navigate through this period of uncertainty.
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