Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Fired FBI Agents Sue Over 2020 Protest Kneeled
Twelve former FBI agents are suing the FBI because they were fired for kneeling during a protest in 2020.
They say they were trying to calm the situation, not make a political statement.
The agents claim their firing violated their constitutional rights and that the FBI did not follow its own rules.
The lawsuit also mentions that the current FBI director, Kash Patel, might have targeted them for political reasons.
The case is unusual because it focuses on due process and internal rules rather than just free speech.
12 former FBI agents sue the agency for firing them after kneeling during a 2020 racial justice protest in Washington, D.C.
Agents claim their firing violated their First and Fifth Amendment rights and that the FBI did not follow its own disciplinary rules.
The lawsuit alleges FBI Director Kash Patel targeted the agents for political reasons, citing his book where he suggested removing government employees who undermine the president's agenda.
The agents were from various units, including counterterrorism specialists with over 15 years of experience.
The lawsuit is unusual as it focuses on due process and internal rules rather than just First Amendment claims.
- Who
- 12 former FBI agents
- What
- Sue the FBI for firing them after kneeling during a 2020 protest
- When
- Fired in 2024, incident in 2020
- Where
- Washington, D.C.
- Why
- Alleged violation of constitutional rights and due process
- Number of Agents
- 12
- Year of Incident
- 2020
- Location of Protest
- Washington, D.C.
- FBI Director Named
- Kash Patel
- Alleged Violations
- First and Fifth Amendment rights
- Year of Firing
- 2024
- Agents' Experience
- Counterterrorism specialists with over 15 years' experience
- FBI's Response
- No comment