Justice Department Settles with FBI Agents Over Political Disciplinary Issues
By Eric Tucker
Washington (AP) — The Justice Department has reached settlements with several current and former FBI agents disciplined for voicing personal and political opinions, particularly regarding the January 6 Capitol riot and the COVID-19 vaccine. Announced by Empower Oversight, a group linked to former Senator Chuck Grassley, these resolutions involve ten cases, including eight settlements in the past fortnight.
The agents alleged that under President Biden’s administration, the FBI had politicized its operations, a claim the bureau leadership refuted. Currently, three agents are reinstated, while others can voluntarily retire or have their back pay restored. These developments follow a climate in which the FBI has seen the reassignment and firing of senior executives, creating concerns over the lack of due process.
Among those reinstated is Steve Friend, who objected to participating in a high-profile arrest and opposed the COVID vaccine mandate. Others include Garret O’Boyle, suspended after raising concerns regarding the handling of Jan 6 investigations, and Zachery Schoffstall, criticized for the exclusion of crucial information in an FBI affidavit related to a hate group investigation.
The settlements have been interpreted as a reflection of ongoing tensions between the FBI and GOP lawmakers regarding perceived biases within the bureau.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
