'Fired for taking a knee...': Ex-FBI agents sue Kash Patel
What's the story
Twelve former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel. The agents, who were fired in September 2025, allege they were wrongfully terminated for taking a knee during the George Floyd protests in Washington, DC, to defuse a tense moment. The lawsuit was filed on Monday in federal court and also names the FBI, the Justice Department, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the Office of the President.
Protest response
Agents' actions during protests led to their termination
The agents, nine women and three men, were assigned to counterintelligence and counterterrorism operations at the time of their dismissal. They allege they were fired in retaliation for trying to de-escalate a tense situation during the nationwide racial justice demonstrations. On June 4, 2020, they encountered what they described as a "mob" of "hostile individuals alongside families with young children," because of which they "made a considered tactical decision" to take a knee.
Life-saving measures
Lawsuit claims agents' actions saved lives
The lawsuit argues that the agents' decision to kneel was to prevent violence and maintain control of their firearms. It states, "In addition to de-escalating, the one-legged kneeling position allowed Plaintiffs to maintain control of their firearms and ability to observe the volatile assemblage while demonstrating a level-headed law enforcement presence that avoided the use of unnecessary force against civilians." The lawsuit further claims, "Plaintiffs saved American lives."
Review findings
Justice Department review finds agents acted within policy
A Justice Department review after the protests found that the agents had acted within FBI policy. However, after Kash Patel took over as FBI Director, he ordered a new internal review in June. Three months later, all 12 agents were fired with letters accusing them of "unprofessional conduct and a lack of impartiality in carrying out duties, leading to the political weaponization of government."
Legal demands
Lawsuit seeks reinstatement, back pay for terminated agents
The former agents, who have nearly 200 years of combined experience at the FBI, with careers ranging from six years to more than 27, are suing the Bureau for violating their due process rights. They are seeking reinstatement to their positions, back pay and benefits, as well as expungement of all records related to their terminations. The lawsuit also claims violations of First Amendment rights to free association and Fifth Amendment rights to due process.