A group of FBI agents involved in investigations related to January 6 and former President Donald Trump has filed a class action lawsuit against the Justice Department, seeking to prevent their names from being disclosed.
According to reports, the agents fear being targeted for termination, demotion, or other retaliatory actions as a result of the ongoing effort to identify those involved in politically sensitive cases.
The lawsuit comes amid reports that the FBI has been ordered to provide a list of agents who worked on these investigations, with a Tuesday deadline looming.
NBC News reported that an internal FBI document reveals that the agency used its Sentinel case management system to compile a list of more than 5,000 employees linked to January 6 and Trump-related investigations. This includes agents who handled any of the 2,400 cases associated with the Capitol riot.
The document also indicates that FBI leadership sent out a three-page survey to those identified, asking them to detail their involvement in the cases. According to the lawsuit, the agents fear this information could be used as a form of retribution under the Trump administration.
The anonymous plaintiffs argue that their names could be improperly accessed and misused.
“Plaintiffs legitimately fear that the information being compiled will be accessed by persons who are not authorized to have access to it,” the lawsuit states, according to Politico. “Even if they are not targeted for termination, they may face other retaliatory acts such as demotion, denial of job opportunities, or denial of promotions in the future.”
The agents claim that the Trump-led Justice Department is engaging in a campaign to purge individuals perceived as disloyal, using the list as a potential tool for punishment.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe described the situation inside the agency as “utter disarray”, saying that many FBI agents fear they will be removed as part of Trump’s efforts to clean house.
“This is a moment of terror for these people,” McCabe said in an interview. He added that Trump’s ongoing purge has left many within the FBI uncertain about their future.
Former FBI Director Andrew McCabe tells CNN the agency is in havoc.
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) February 4, 2025
Good.
They're scattering like roaches in the spotlight. pic.twitter.com/Abt6z5Cpv9
As the Tuesday deadline approaches, tensions continue to rise within the FBI, with many awaiting further action from the Trump administration.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.