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Kash Patel's FBI Purge: Agents Fired for Kneeling at BLM Protest

FBI Fires Agents for Kneeling at BLM Protest: Kash Patel Purge Explained

Approximately 20 FBI agents were terminated in a political purge ordered by Director Kash Patel for taking a knee during 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Learn about the ongoing FBI restructuring and political retaliation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a sweeping FBI political purge ordered by Director Kash Patel, the bureau has terminated approximately 20 FBI agents for taking a knee during a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd, according to sources familiar with the matter 1, 2, 5. This controversial move represents a significant escalation in the political reshaping of federal law enforcement under the Trump administration, raising serious concerns about political retaliation and the weaponization of government institutions.

FBI Director Kash Patel overseeing personnel changes - FBI agents fired for kneeling during BLM protests

FBI Director Kash Patel has overseen significant personnel changes within the bureau

This action represents a deliberate escalation in what critics describe as the weaponization of the FBI to punish dissent and eliminate institutional checks on power. The firing of agents who showed solidarity with a movement against police violence sends a clear message about the administration's approach to internal dissent.

A lawsuit filed by other recently terminated officials alleges that Patel communicated that he understood the firings were "likely illegal" but was "powerless to stop it" because the White House and Justice Department were determined to remove all agents who investigated Trump 1, 4. The FBI Agents Association has condemned the move as unlawful, stating that more than a dozen agents, including military veterans, were dismissed without due process and called for a congressional investigation 1, 2.

FBI Purge Timeline: Key Personnel Changes Under Kash Patel

The following details how the FBI personnel restructuring has targeted experienced personnel, potentially weakening the bureau's ability to combat legitimate threats 1, 3.

Agents who knelt (approx. 20)
Expertise / Role:
Various field roles
Stated Reason for Termination:
Gesture of solidarity with Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. Sources indicate the act was a de-escalation tactic during tense confrontations 2, 4.
Brian Driscoll
Expertise / Role:
20-year veteran, Medal of Valor recipient, former acting FBI Director 1, 5.
Stated Reason for Termination:
Resisted DOJ demands for a list of agents who investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection 1, 3.
Steve Jensen
Expertise / Role:
Near 20-year veteran, expert in terrorism and counterintelligence operations 1.
Stated Reason for Termination:
Oversaw investigations into the January 6 Capitol riot 1, 5.
Chris Meyer
Expertise / Role:
FBI pilot and veteran.
Stated Reason for Termination:
Falsely accused on social media of involvement in the Mar-a-Lago search 1, 3.
Walter Giardina
Expertise / Role:
Field agent.
Stated Reason for Termination:
Participated in investigations of Trump associates like Peter Navarro 1, 5.

Kash Patel's FBI Restructuring and Political Impact

Kash Patel, a political appointee known for his conservative media appearances, has reportedly curated lists of officials deemed disloyal. His leadership has been characterized by a broader personnel review that current and former officials say has contributed to declining morale 1, 3.

  • Broad Personnel Review: The Justice Department has stated it is reviewing the conduct of more than 1,500 agents associated with cases that have found disfavor in the new administration, signaling extensive personnel changes 2, 3.
  • Shift in Investigative Priorities: While restructuring counterterrorism units, Patel has reportedly diverted resources to review previous investigations, including those related to Jeffrey Epstein and political figures.
  • Influence of External Factors: Personnel decisions appear influenced by political considerations, with administration officials described as highly responsive to media narratives and online discourse.

Legal Challenges to FBI Personnel Decisions

Patel's claim that fired agents "failed to meet the FBI's standards" has been challenged in court 1. Legal documents reveal a private admission where Patel allegedly told a subordinate he knew the firings were "likely illegal" but was "powerless to stop it" because "the FBI tried to put the President in jail and he hasn't forgotten it" 1, 4.

Broader Implications for Federal Law Enforcement

This personnel restructuring raises fundamental questions about the political independence of federal law enforcement. Critics argue that transforming an already hierarchical institution into an explicitly loyalist apparatus creates dangerous precedents for democratic governance.

What You Can Do

Public awareness and engagement remain essential tools for accountability in democratic systems.

Contact your representatives and express concerns about this purge. A written letter often carries more weight than phone calls, which in turn are more impactful than social media posts. Most importantly, share this information. Ensure others understand these developments while democratic recourse remains available.

Key Demands from Government Accountability Groups:

  1. The immediate reinstatement of all agents fired for political reasons.
  2. The resignation of Kash Patel and review of his leadership appointment.
  3. A full, independent investigation into administration influence over the DOJ and FBI.
  4. Increased transparency around personnel decisions and investigative priorities.

References

  1. AP News. (2025, September 26). FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest.
  2. ABC7. (2025, September 26). FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest following death of George Floyd, sources say.
  3. New York Post. (2025, September 26). FBI fires agents who were caught kneeling during 2020 George Floyd protests.
  4. WCVB. (2025, September 27). FBI fires agents kneeling during George Floyd protest.
  5. ClickOrlando. (2025, September 27). FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest: AP sources.
This article is based on reporting from the Associated Press, ABC7, New York Post, WCVB, and ClickOrlando as of September 26-27, 2025, and analysis of ongoing political developments.
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