Overview
- The federal lawsuit filed in D.C. names FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the FBI and the Justice Department, and seeks reinstatement, back pay, damages and expungement of personnel records.
- The agents assert they knelt on June 4, 2020 near the National Archives to defuse a volatile crowd while lacking riot gear or crowd‑control training, describing the move as a tactical decision rather than political expression.
- Earlier assessments by senior FBI leadership and the Justice Department inspector general found no political motive and advised against discipline, according to the complaint.
- After Patel took over in February 2025, several agents were removed from supervisory roles, a new inquiry began, and the 12 received termination letters in September citing "unprofessional conduct" and "lack of impartiality" leading to "weaponization of government."
- The case adds to a string of legal challenges over recent FBI personnel actions, including a suit by former Acting Director Brian Driscoll; the FBI has declined to comment on the pending litigation.