DOJ Affirms No Penalties for FBI Employees Following Jan. 6 Investigations

Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove has clarified that FBI employees who “simply followed orders” during the investigations into the January 6 Capitol riot will not face termination or any disciplinary actions. This assurance was detailed in an internal memo distributed this week.

Clarification Amid Controversy

Bove’s memo takes aim at Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll, accusing him of failing to respond to requests from Donald Trump’s administration. These requests sought to identify the core team in Washington, D.C., responsible for the January 6 investigations. Bove noted that this lack of compliance necessitated a more formal directive, which he outlined in his memo from January 31, 2025.

Understanding the Directive

In his memo, Bove stated, “That insubordination necessitated, among other things, the directive in my January 31, 2025 memo to identify all agents assigned to investigations relating to January 6, 2021.” The goal is to compile a comprehensive dataset from which the Justice Department can determine the specific agents involved in the investigations.

He emphasized that no FBI employee who conducted their duties ethically related to the January 6 events should fear repercussions. He clarified, “The only individuals who should be concerned about the process initiated by my January 31, 2025 memo are those who acted with corrupt or partisan intent or who defied departmental leadership.” This statement aims to provide some peace of mind to those who were simply performing their responsibilities.

Calls for Accountability

Bove further criticized ongoing attempts to obscure the truth behind the investigations, noting that such efforts have politicized the FBI and compromised its credibility. He added, “If you have witnessed such behavior, I encourage you to report it through appropriate channels.” This message underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Recent Legal Challenges

This memo comes shortly after a group of nine FBI agents filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the public identification of employees involved in the January 6 investigations. The plaintiffs, who remain anonymous, filed their case in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing that potential reviews or discrimination against these individuals would violate federal civil service protections.

The lawsuit particularly highlights a questionnaire that employees were required to complete, detailing their involvement in both the January 6 investigation and another probe led by former Special Counsel Jack Smith concerning documents found at Mar-a-Lago.

Political Ramifications

In the political arena, Donald Trump recently refrained from addressing inquiries about whether his administration would seek the removal of FBI employees tied to the January 6 investigations. When approached by reporters, Trump labeled the bureau as “corrupt,” expressing confidence that his nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, would rectify the situation.

Maintaining Ethical Standards

The discussions surrounding the January 6 investigations and the role of the FBI have sparked intense debate about the agency’s integrity. As Bove’s memos and the pending lawsuit make headlines, it remains crucial for the Justice Department and the FBI to uphold their ethical standards, ensuring that employees who acted within their mandates are respected and safeguarded against potential political retaliation.

The outcomes of these ongoing controversies will likely shape public perception of the FBI and its operations in the coming months. As scrutiny intensifies, agencies must navigate these complex dynamics while maintaining focus on their core missions.

Fox News’ Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report