An FBI agent has resigned from the bureau after initiating a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
Investigation Reclassified
The agent’s investigation was reportedly reclassified shortly after it began, shifting focus from a potential civil rights violation to an alleged assault on the officer involved. The FBI also blocked the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) from participating in the investigation, sources said.
This resignation occurs amid what sources describe as a “purge” of seasoned FBI agents across multiple states. These departures reportedly followed an internal review of agent messaging, where comments critical of President Donald Trump – some dating back a decade – were discovered.
Personnel Changes Underway
The removals are being led by FBI Director Kash Patel, and include top officials in cities such as New Orleans and Miami. Patel’s actions are part of an effort to remove individuals involved in past investigations, including those related to Trump.
Three former senior FBI officials, including a former acting director, have filed a lawsuit alleging Patel was instructed to fire agents involved in past Trump investigations, or face termination himself.
During his confirmation hearing last January, Patel stated that no one would be terminated for case assignments and that he would “not… go backwards.” He also asserted, “There will be no politicization at the FBI. There will be no retributive actions taken.”
However, the FBI Agents Association warned lawmakers this summer that Patel was making personnel decisions without adhering to established due process protections. The association stated that affected agents were not accused of misconduct or given an opportunity to defend themselves, despite existing FBI policy requiring such procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the FBI agent’s resignation?
The agent resigned after the civil rights investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good was reclassified as an investigation into an assault on the officer, and the BCA was blocked from participating.
What is Director Kash Patel’s role in the recent departures?
Director Patel is leading an effort to remove FBI agents involved in past investigations, including those related to Trump, according to sources.
What did the FBI Agents Association communicate to lawmakers?
The FBI Agents Association warned lawmakers that Director Patel was making personnel decisions without providing the due process protections guaranteed to law enforcement officers.
Given these developments, what impact might these personnel changes have on the future direction and public trust in the FBI?
