UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, several senior FBI officials have been abruptly ousted without explanation, raising alarm among agents over potential political motivations. The terminations, confirmed by sources to ABC News, occurred earlier this week and include high-profile figures such as former acting director Brian Driscoll and assistant director of the Washington, D.C. Field Office Steven Jensen.
The unexpected firings come amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding the FBI’s investigations into the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Sources indicate that Driscoll, who previously resisted efforts to compile a list of agents involved in these investigations, was informed of his termination on Wednesday night and received no reason for his dismissal.
In a heartfelt farewell email to staff obtained by ABC News, Driscoll stated, “I understand that you may have a lot of questions regarding why, for which I currently have no answers. No cause has been articulated at this time.” His tenure at the FBI spanned nearly two decades, during which he held various leadership roles, including a brief period as acting director at the start of Trump’s presidency.
The firings have stirred unrest among rank-and-file agents, particularly those who fear that the moves could be politically motivated. Both Giardina and Meyer, also dismissed, have previously worked on investigations tied to former President Donald Trump.
Jensen’s dismissal was particularly surprising to senior leadership at the U.S. Attorney’s D.C. field office, as he was scheduled to speak at a press conference on the unsealing of a hate crimes indictment related to the Capitol Jewish Museum shooting. His sudden absence at the event raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding his termination, which U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro declined to address, stating, “I’m not going to talk about politics today. I’m talking about crime.”
The Department of Justice has also refrained from commenting on the firings, leaving many in the FBI community unsettled. Agents are now grappling with the implications of these abrupt changes in leadership and what they mean for ongoing investigations and the bureau’s integrity.
As this situation continues to unfold, agents and observers alike are left wondering who might be next as tensions escalate within the agency. The implications of these firings could resonate well beyond the FBI, stirring political debates and impacting public trust in federal law enforcement.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.