The Justice Department on Wednesday reassured FBI agents who acted in an "ethical manner" during the January 6 capitol riot investigations won't be fired.
"Let me be clear: No FBI employee who simply followed orders and carried out their duties in an ethical manner with respect to January 6 investigations is at risk of termination or other penalties," Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove wrote in a message obtained by NPR.
His statement comes amid growing FBI concerns after Bove's memo, "Terminations," ordered the firing of eight senior officials and demanded a list of employees involved in January 6 cases or Hamas prosecutions.
The demand allegedly sparked panic among FBI personnel, with many scared of a sweeping staff purge. On Tuesday, the FBI provided the Justice Department with a list, though it contained only employee ID numbers rather than names, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The only individuals at risk, Bove's memo clarifies, "are those who acted with corrupt or partisan intent, who blatantly defied orders from Department leadership, or who exercised discretion in weaponizing the FBI."
This dilemma comes as Attorney General Pam Bondi takes office Wednesday. The Justice Department has reportedly declined to comment.
