Latest news with #WashingtonFieldOffice
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump Administration Launches Another FBI Purge
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Trump administration is firing three senior FBI officials in a leadership purge, according to multiple reports. Sources speaking with various media outlets said the White House was ousting Brian Driscoll, a senior FBI official who briefly served as the agency's acting director in the early days of the Trump administration; Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office Steven Jensen; and Washington-based Special Agent Walter Giardina. An FBI spokesperson declined Newsweek's request for comment via email on Thursday. Why It Matters Under the leadership of FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, the FBI has undergone major internal changes in the past few months, including the reassignment or forced resignation of numerous senior officials, including special agents in charge of several major field offices. Some agents have also been subjected to polygraph exams, The New York Times reported last month. No reason has been offered for this week's personnel changes, though all three officials had previously clashed with the administration—sparking concerns of political retaliation. The J. Edgar Hoover Building, the FBI's headquarters, in Washington, D.C., on August 6. The J. Edgar Hoover Building, the FBI's headquarters, in Washington, D.C., on August 6. Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images What To Know The Associated Press reported on the firings on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter and internal FBI documents. Driscoll, who has worked for the FBI for almost two decades, clashed with the Trump administration earlier this year when he refused to hand over the names of FBI agents who had participated in the investigation into the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. He opted instead to provide anonymized data. In April, Jensen's appointment sparked backlash from some Trump supporters because of his previous oversight of the FBI's domestic terrorism section following the Capitol riot. Meanwhile, Giardina worked on an investigation into Russian links to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. He was also involved in the arrest of Peter Navarro, a Trump trade adviser who refused to testify about January 6. What People Are Saying Brian Driscoll wrote in a message to colleagues: "I understand that you may have a lot of questions regarding why, for which I have no answers. No cause has been articulated at this time. "Please know that it has been the honor of my life to serve alongside each of you. Thank you for allowing me to stand on your shoulders throughout it all. Our collective sacrifices for those we serve is, and will always be, worth it. I regret nothing. You are my heroes, and I remain in your debt." Steven Jensen said in an email to colleagues: "I intend to meet this challenge like any other I have faced in this organization, with professionalism, integrity and dignity." The FBI Agents Association said in a statement that it was concerned by reports of the firings of senior leaders and was reviewing all legal options to defend its members, adding: "There is a review process when employment actions are taken against agents. The process was established so that the FBI could remain independent and apolitical. FBI leadership committed—both publicly and directly to FBIAA—that they would abide by that process. We urge them to honor that commitment and follow the law." Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, said: "The continued purging of experienced, nonpartisan FBI agents by the Trump administration is nothing short of alarming. These are individuals [who] have dedicated their careers to protecting the American people, and their firings are part of a disturbing pattern of retaliation and politicization at an institution charged with safeguarding national security and the rule of law." What Happens Next Whether further changes will take place at the FBI remains to be seen. According to Politico, formal paperwork related to the firings is expected to be issued on Friday.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
FBI removes two top officials amid Capitol riot probe controversy
Brian Driscoll, the bureau's former acting director, and Steven Jensen, who's been leading the Washington Field Office since April, were instructed to leave Bloomberg The Federal Bureau of Investigation is ousting two senior officials who've been ensnared in controversies related to the agency's investigations of the Jan 6, 2021, Capitol riot, marking the most significant leadership shake-up since Kash Patel took over as director. Brian Driscoll, the bureau's former acting director, and Steven Jensen, who's been leading the Washington Field Office since April, were instructed to leave, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. The removals follow months of scrutiny from Republican lawmakers, who have called for a full accounting of the bureau's handling of politically sensitive cases tied to the attack on the Capitol. Driscoll led the bureau temporarily ahead of Patel's confirmation in February. He was briefly in the spotlight after the administration demanded the FBI compile a list of staff who worked on investigations or prosecutions related to the Capitol riot. Jensen previously served as section chief of the domestic terrorism operations section, according to an FBI press release in April announcing his ascent to assistant director in charge of the Washington office. The removals come as the Trump administration steps up its effort to restructure the Justice Department and federal law enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a series of internal directives targeting what she called 'unethical prosecutions' tied to Jan 6. The FBI Agents Association said in a statement it is 'deeply concerned' by the report that the agents 'are going to be summarily fired without due process for doing their jobs investigating potential federal crimes.' 'Agents are not given the option to pick and choose their cases, and these Agents carried out their assignments with professionalism and integrity,' the nonprofit association said. 'Most importantly, they followed the law.'
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Trump's FBI purge: at odds, you're out — ex-acting chief and Jan. 6 agents fired in sweeping political shake-up, here's who's gone
Synopsis Trump's FBI purge has shaken the nation, with three top officials — including former acting chief Brian Driscoll — fired in a sudden shake-up. The removals also hit Steven Jensen, ex-head of the Washington Field Office, and Walter Giardina, a key January 6 prosecutions agent. Reports say they clashed with the Trump administration over politically sensitive cases, especially the Capitol riot investigations. New FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Dan Bongino are leading this overhaul, which critics see as politically driven. Supporters call it a move to restore accountability, but questions remain over its impact on ongoing January 6 cases. AP Trump's FBI purge has rocked the bureau, removing three senior officials — including a former acting director and key January 6 investigators — in one of the most dramatic shake-ups in recent years. The firings, led by new FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Dan Bongino, are seen by critics as a politically driven purge targeting those who clashed with the Trump administration over Capitol riot prosecutions. FBI has removed three senior officials — including its former acting director — in what sources call one of the most consequential leadership shake-ups in years. The move, seen by many as part of President Donald Trump's sweeping purge of those who clashed with his administration, has reignited a fierce debate over political influence inside the nation's top law enforcement agency. Among those forced out is Brian Driscoll, who served briefly as acting FBI director earlier this year. Multiple reports say Driscoll refused a Trump administration demand to hand over the names of agents involved in January 6 Capitol riot investigations. His departure is set for this Friday. Also fired: Steven Jensen, the former head of the FBI's Washington Field Office, and Walter Giardina, a special agent tied to high-profile January 6 prosecutions — including the case against ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro. Insiders point to an aggressive overhaul led by newly installed FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. The shake-up appears to target those seen as resistant to the administration's approach on politically sensitive cases, particularly the January 6 prosecutions. The White House has framed the removals as a bid to 'restore accountability' within the FBI. But critics warn the dismissals threaten the bureau's independence, fueling fears of politicized law enforcement. The ouster of agents directly involved in Capitol riot cases has sparked concern that ongoing prosecutions could slow or even stall. Legal experts caution that such disruptions could have lasting effects on cases already in court. The FBI Agents Association has condemned the firings, calling them a dangerous precedent that undermines due process and risks damaging public trust. Sources suggest more terminations may follow, potentially reshaping the bureau's leadership in one of the largest politically influenced overhauls in FBI history. Inside the agency, current and former officials describe morale as 'unsettled' and 'deeply divided.' The key question now: Will Trump's purge redirect the FBI's priorities — or fracture it even further?
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Documents: DC educator paid minors on CashApp, received explicit images
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Officials said that a D.C. school employee is facing charges for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The FBI Washington Field Office's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating 56-year-old Devonne Keith Brown, who was arrested on Monday, June 2. The affidavit said Brown was working for IDEA Public Charter School and affiliated with a track club called 'Project Impact Sports.' Virginia high school teacher arrested, accused of receiving inappropriate photos, grooming minors According to court documents, the investigation started in November of 2024 when a CashApp account was reported for grooming minors and purchasing CSAM. CashApp found three possible minors' accounts and the adult's account. Documents said that there was activity that implied that the adult — later identified as Brown — was grooming minors. The investigation was assigned in January of 2025. Investigators reported that there were 36 CashApp transactions with one of the victims between Feb. 18, 2024, and Sept. 22, 2024. When officials went to speak to the victim, she said that she had been talking to a person named 'Joseph.' She later revealed that he was an adult man she met at a Giant grocery store near her home in Prince George's County. She told investigators that she had messaged the man via Instagram and iMessage. She said that she had sent him nude photos during these conversations and that he also sent an explicit photograph to her. Black bear spotted in Bethesda area days after it was captured, relocated from Langley Park In May of 2025, investigators got a search warrant for Brown's email and found nearly 30 emails between him and two different email accounts believed to belong to the minor victim. These emails included explicit photos and videos. 'Those who prey on minors to solicit the production of CSAM are morally reprehensible and will be held accountable for their heinous crimes,' Steven Jensen, assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, said in a release. 'The FBI remains committed to protecting our children and ridding our communities of this grievous scourge.' The FBI asks that anyone with any information about Brown or his involvement in the solicitation of CSAM send their contact information to DBVictims@ or fill out a form online. You can also make an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or going online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
FBI axes public corruption squad ‘CR15' that backed Special Counsel Jack Smith's probe into Donald Trump's Capitol riots
The FBI Washington Field Office under Director Kash Patel shut down the unit that supported Jack Smith's investigation into Donald Trump In a major shake-up, the FBI has shut down one of its key units known as CR15, the same squad that supported special counsel Jack Smith 's investigation into US President Donald Trump . The closure of the federal public corruption squad was confirmed by three people familiar with the matter, NBC News reported. CR15 played a central role in the FBI's 'Arctic Frost' investigation, which laid the groundwork for Smith's probe into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. That probe ultimately led to one of the two federal cases against Trump , both of which have since been dropped after his election victory. FBI officials said agents from CR15 will be reassigned to other parts of the bureau. A spokesperson explained that the decision to shut down CR15 was part of a broader reorganisation of the FBI's Washington Field Office, with more changes expected soon. The bureau stressed that public corruption investigations will continue under the new structure. The closure comes at a time when FBI resources are increasingly being directed towards immigration enforcement. The area is mainly handled by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is under the Department of Homeland Security. The decision also follows earlier cuts at the Justice Department, which significantly reduced the Public Integrity Section that also investigated corruption. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Health: Over-40s are snapping up the new indestructible military smartwatch Indestructible Smartwatch Undo Several staff members resigned after reportedly refusing to drop the federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. A judge later dismissed the case and barred it from being reopened, saying it would give the government unfair leverage over the mayor. 'This is yet another sign that it's open season for political corruption,' said Stacey Young, founder of Justice Connection. 'The administration gutted the Public Integrity Section, neutered the U.S. Attorney's Office in D.C., and is now shuttering the FBI's pre-eminent federal public corruption squad. This isn't what voters had in mind when they heard, 'drain the swamp.'' Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson, who had scrutinised CR15's work, welcomed the closure. Grassley said, 'It's good news it's been shut down after I exposed the unit for its misconduct.' The investigation into Trump began before he launched his 2024 campaign. Though Smith indicted Trump in 2023, the case stalled amid appeals. Smith's report said that Trump 'inspired his supporters to commit acts of physical violence' during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots and knowingly spread false claims of election fraud.
