Particle.news
Download on the App Store
25 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

FBI Fires 15 Agents Who Kneeled During 2020 Protest, Association Says

The agents’ association labels the action unlawful over alleged due‑process violations.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (officers take a knee with demonstrators, as they march on Pennsylvania Ave. on Thursday, June 4, 2020, in Washington, during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 17: Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on September 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. Patel is facing questions from lawmakers for the second straight day following a contentious hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee where he was criticized for his handling of investigations into the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk and the case related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
FBI Director Kash Patel testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Commitee in Washington, D.C., on Sept.16, 2025.

Overview

  • The FBI Agents Association said 15 agents linked to a June 2020 Washington, D.C., kneeling photo were dismissed on Friday, while multiple outlets reported totals ranging from about 15 to 22, and the FBI declined comment.
  • The association condemned the dismissals as unlawful and said some fired agents are military veterans with additional statutory protections, urging congressional scrutiny.
  • An internal review under then‑Director Christopher Wray previously found the kneeling consistent with policy, and agents have described it as a de‑escalation tactic during a tense confrontation.
  • Several of the agents were reassigned to less‑coveted roles earlier this year before being terminated, with some notices citing a 'lack of judgment,' according to reporting.
  • The removals extend a broader shake‑up under Director Kash Patel that includes August ousters and lawsuits by former leaders alleging retribution; Patel denies political motives and says those fired failed to meet FBI standards.