Roughly 20 FBI agents have been dismissed after being seen participating in a protest in Washington, D.C., in the wake of George Floyd's death.
According to the New York Post, the terminations come years after the agents were photographed kneeling during a racial justice demonstration in June 2020 and reflect a broader realignment under current FBI leadership.
The protest took place shortly after the May 2020 death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis. His death sparked demonstrations around the country, including one in Washington, D.C., where some FBI agents were photographed kneeling alongside other demonstrators on June 4, 2020.
Initially, those agents were not fired. In spring 2024, they were quietly reassigned, according to information provided by two individuals familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity. The quiet move became more significant this month when the bureau terminated its employment outright. A spokesperson for the FBI declined to comment on the firings. However, the dismissals appear to be connected to an internal overhaul led by FBI Director Kash Patel, who was appointed to the position under the current administration.
Personnel Shakeup Reaches Beyond 2020 Protest
The protest-related terminations are part of a larger reshaping of the FBI’s leadership and operations. In a related set of firings last month, several high-ranking agents and supervisors were also removed from their positions. Among those let go in that earlier round were Steve Jensen, known for leading investigations into the January 6 Capitol insurrection; Brian Driscoll, who served briefly as acting director in 2017; Chris Meyer, who was the subject of public speculation surrounding Trump-related document inquiries; and Walter Giardina, who worked on cases involving former Trump adviser Peter Navarro.
Many of these agents maintain that their terminations were unjust. A lawsuit filed by Jensen, Driscoll, and a third supervisor, Spencer Evans, alleges that Patel expressed concerns about the legality of dismissing staff based on their casework histories. According to court documents, Patel reportedly told them such firings might be unlawful, but that he was unable to intervene due to political pressure from both the executive branch and the Justice Department.
Director Patel Denies Political Motivations
During a recent congressional appearance, Kash Patel addressed the allegations raised in the lawsuit. He vehemently denied receiving any instructions from the White House to remove specific staff members. When asked about the reason for the dismissals, Patel responded that those affected “failed to meet the FBI’s standards.” He did not elaborate on what standards were allegedly not met, nor did he address the role the protest photographs may have played in the decisions.
The claim that he found the terminations “likely illegal,” as quoted in the lawsuit, has not been confirmed independently. The plaintiffs in the case argue that participation in lawful protests, or mere association with controversial investigations, should not constitute fireable offenses.
FBI Agents Participated in a Historic Protest
The June 4, 2020, protest in the nation’s capital was part of a sweeping movement for racial justice that followed the killing of George Floyd. Demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide, seeking reform in policing and accountability for officers involved in excessive force cases.
When agents were photographed kneeling during the demonstration, it drew mixed reactions. Some viewed the act as a sign of solidarity with victims of police violence. Others, including some within federal law enforcement, saw it as a possible breach of the bureau’s nonpartisan stance. At the time, there was no public disciplinary action taken against the agents, and the FBI did not comment on their participation. The firings now reported suggest a change in internal policies or attitudes toward agent conduct during highly charged public events.
Challenges to Transparency and Morale Inside the FBI
The recent pattern of terminations has raised questions about internal governance and morale inside the FBI. Critics argue the agency is drifting away from its longstanding commitment to neutrality and may be responding to political pressures.
Supporters of the recent moves argue that Director Patel is enforcing higher standards and holding staff accountable for behavior that may conflict with the bureau’s core policies. However, without formal explanations for specific terminations, the FBI risks ongoing legal and public scrutiny. The lawsuit filed by the three former supervisors is expected to bring further attention to both the June protest firings and the broader restructuring taking place under Patel’s leadership. It may also set legal precedent about the rights of federal employees to participate in political or socially driven demonstrations.
Legal and Institutional Implications Moving Forward
As the case proceeds, the agency could face increased pressure to disclose its rationale for removing agents who passed background checks, underwent regular training, and had no known history of misconduct.
Observers note that how the FBI responds may influence not only internal protocols but also public confidence in the bureau’s independence. With agency leadership denying direct influence from the White House, attention is turning to the Justice Department and Congressional oversight committees for potential intervention. For now, the approximately 20 agents once reassigned after the 2020 protest are no longer with the bureau. Their next move, including whether further legal action is taken, remains uncertain.
