The Justice Department has ordered thousands of FBI agents and officials to submit a detailed survey on their roles in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol riot. The directive has sparked concerns about potential political retaliation under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The questionnaire, due by Monday, asks agents to specify their rank and involvement in Jan. 6 cases. It includes questions about arrests, trial participation, surveillance activities, and grand jury proceedings. The directive also extends to FBI officials working on Hamas-related investigations.
Many within the FBI fear the survey could be used to identify individuals deemed disloyal to Trump. Some leaders of FBI field offices have advised their agents not to submit responses immediately. Instead, they suggest allowing higher-ranking officials to handle the matter.
“There’s growing resistance from among the SACs (special agents in charge). Some are telling people beneath them, don’t submit it, or don’t submit it right away,” said an attorney representing several FBI employees.
The FBI Agents Association has reached out to its members, warning them about possible political targeting. In a memo, the association reassured agents that they should not face punishment for lawfully carrying out their duties. However, rumors of dismissals and security clearance revocations are circulating.
The concerns within the FBI mirror recent firings at the Justice Department. Around 30 prosecutors involved in Jan. 6 cases and a dozen connected to investigations of Trump have already lost their positions. These moves, combined with Trump’s blanket pardon for convicted Jan. 6 rioters, suggest an effort to reshape the federal response to the attack.
FBI Acting Director Brian Driscoll has notified employees that the agency must provide a roster of those involved in the cases by Tuesday. Meanwhile, legal experts warn that the directive could lead to a purge of career officials who played a role in investigating Trump supporters.
As the deadline approaches, FBI officials remain uncertain about the long-term impact of the request. Some fear that failure to comply could lead to professional consequences, while others worry that responding could put their careers at risk under the new administration.
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