WASHINGTON — The FBI has terminated agents who were photographed taking a knee during a racial justice demonstration in Washington after the 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, as reported by three individuals familiar with the situation on Friday.
Initially, the FBI reassigned these agents last spring, but they have now been dismissed, according to the sources who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel issues with The Associated Press.
While the exact number of FBI agents affected remains unclear, two individuals indicated it was around 20.
The controversial photographs depicted a group of agents kneeling in solidarity during one of the protests that erupted in the wake of Floyd’s death in May 2020, a tragic incident that incited national outcry regarding policing practices and systemic racial injustice after millions witnessed the arrest on video.
An FBI spokesperson declined to provide any comments on the matter on Friday.
The dismissals occur within the context of a larger personnel reshuffle at the agency as Director Kash Patel strives to overhaul the federal law enforcement agency.
In a recent shake-up, five agents and high-ranking officials were reportedly fired last month, which some current and former bureau officials claim has led to decreased morale.
One of the terminated individuals, Steve Jensen, was involved in investigations related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Additionally, Brian Driscoll, who briefly served as acting FBI director during the early Trump administration, reportedly resisted Justice Department requests for the identities of agents who looked into January 6.
Additionally, there was speculation on social media that a third individual, Chris Meyer, was implicated in the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s handling of classified materials at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Another individual, Walter Giardina, has taken part in notable investigations, including the inquiry into Trump advisor Peter Navarro.
A lawsuit initiated by Jensen, Driscoll, and another ousted FBI supervisor, Spencer Evans, contends that Patel indicated he was aware that firing agents based on the cases they managed could be considered “likely illegal” but felt unable to intervene because the White House and the Justice Department were adamant about removing all agents involved in Trump-related investigations.
Patel denied allegations during a congressional hearing last week that he was following the White House’s directives regarding firings, asserting that those dismissed did not meet the FBIās standards.
