WASHINGTON (AP) – The FBI is experiencing a notable shake-up, marked by the dismissal of senior officials, including Brian Driscoll, a former acting director known for resisting the Trump administration's requests regarding personnel involved in the investigations of the January 6 Capitol riot. Reports indicate that Driscoll’s last day at the FBI will be Friday, though the specific reasons for his ousting remain unclear. He communicated to colleagues that no cause for his dismissal has been provided.
Alongside Driscoll, Steven Jensen, the assistant director in charge of the Washington field office, has been fired as well. Jensen confirmed his termination to colleagues in a message, stating he would approach this challenge with professionalism and integrity. Although he did not specify if a reason was given for his dismissal, his appointment was criticized by some Trump supporters because of his oversight of the domestic terrorism section following the Capitol riots. The January 6 insurrection, characterized by the FBI as an act of domestic terrorism, involved supporters of former President Donald Trump storming the Capitol to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's election victory.
Another name mentioned in the purge is Walter Giardina, who has faced scrutiny from Republican Senator Chuck Grassley. Giardina’s involvement in investigations related to Trump aides, including Peter Navarro, has raised concerns about his position within the FBI.
FBI spokespeople have declined to comment on the firings, while the FBI Agents Association expressed its grave concern regarding the reported dismissals of senior leaders. The association is reviewing legal options to support its members, emphasizing that firing agents without due process undermines public safety. They highlighted an established review process intended to maintain the FBI's independence and intended for leadership to adhere to that commitment.
This wave of terminations comes amidst a broader personnel purge under FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino. Multiple senior officials, including high-ranking agents in charge of major field offices, have either been forced out or reassigned. This has reportedly created unease within the workforce, exacerbated by instances where agents have been subjected to polygraph examinations.
Driscoll, a seasoned agent who has previously led international counterterrorism efforts and commanded the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team, was named acting director in January to succeed Christopher Wray while Patel's nomination was pending. He gained attention for standing firm against the Trump administration’s demands to disclose names of agents involved in the investigations related to the January 6 riot. Many viewed this request as a precursor to mass firings, especially considering the administration’s intent to dismiss individuals involved in the investigations against Trump.
Emil Bove, a senior Justice Department official, previously labeled Driscoll and other top FBI leaders as insubordinate for resisting requests to identify those involved in the investigations of the Capitol riots. Following the FBI's response to the requests, which provided personnel information using unique identifiers, tensions continued to rise. Driscoll’s parting message to his colleagues reflected pride in serving with them and reiterated a commitment to their collective mission.
Under Patel’s leadership, the bureau has aggressively pursued a strategy of demoting or reassessing agents viewed as not aligned with current leadership or the previous administration. In a significant example, agents photographed kneeling during a racial justice protest after George Floyd’s death in 2020 were reassigned. Furthermore, various special agents have been compelled to retire or resign. Michael Feinberg, who faced leadership scrutiny regarding his friendship with Peter Strzok—central to the Trump-Russia investigation—stated he was pressured to resign or accept a demotion and ultimately chose to resign.
As the reshuffling continues within the FBI, many questions remain regarding the motivations and implications of these personnel changes on the bureau's operations and public perception.
