FBI agents involved in cases linked to the Capitol riot on Jan. 6 and President Trump's investigations have taken legal action. They have filed a class action lawsuit to stop the Justice Department from creating lists of agents for potential retaliation.
The agents, who chose to remain anonymous in the lawsuit, provided evidence of a survey meant to identify agents working on politically charged cases. They fear that these lists could be misused by the previous administration to target employees considered disloyal.
Concerns and Legal Battle
The agents express genuine concerns about unauthorized access to the compiled information. They worry about facing repercussions such as demotion or job denial, even if termination is not the direct aim.
This lawsuit coincided with a Justice Department deadline for the FBI to disclose all staff involved in Jan. 6-related investigations. The agents question the motives behind this information gathering and its potential consequences.
Legal Grounds and Demands
The lawsuit cites violations of First Amendment rights and the federal Privacy Act. It seeks to prevent the Justice Department from publicizing the identities of FBI personnel associated with the Jan. 6 and Mar-a-Lago cases.
The FBI and DOJ have refrained from immediate comments on the matter, indicating a complex legal battle ahead.