Twelve fired FBI agents are alleging unlawful termination for kneeling during a racial justice protest in Washington DC, five years ago. In a newly filed lawsuit, they argue that kneeling, a gesture made popular during demonstrations for racial justice, was a calculated move to deescalate tensions amidst growing protests related to the killing of George Floyd.
The plaintiffs allege they were dismissed on the orders of FBI director Kash Patel, named as a defendant in the suit, with termination letters citing a lack of impartiality in their duties. The FBI has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation.
The group, consisting of nine women and three men, reported being confronted by a dangerous crowd while stationed in DC on June 4, 2020, and viewed their decision to kneel as a necessary tactic in a precarious situation. Their actions were perceived as a means to prevent violence and foster communication between law enforcement and the community during a period of national unrest.
The former agents pointed out that their kneeling had been evaluated by the FBI and the Department of Justice at the time, and their dismissals came more than five years post-incident, raising questions about the motivations behind their firing.
Seeking reinstatement and back payment, the ex-agents claim they were targeted for their choice of response, which suggested a disconnect with the administration of then-President Donald Trump. Under Patel's leadership, the FBI has faced scrutiny over politically driven dismissals, although he has denied these claims.
This civil suit comes shortly after another lawsuit filed by former FBI acting director Brian Driscoll, alleging that he too faced termination for politically motivated reasons.
