The Department of Justice has agreed to temporarily withhold the release of names of FBI personnel involved in investigations related to the Capitol riot.
This decision emerged from two lawsuits filed by FBI agents aiming to prevent the dissemination of their identities and other sensitive information. These lawsuits challenge the department's actions concerning the extensive investigation into the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
As reported by Newsweek, one of the lawsuits, a class-action brought by nine anonymous FBI employees, accuses the DOJ of executing an "unlawful and retaliatory" order from former President Donald Trump. This directive allegedly sought to remove agents who participated in the January 6 investigation and the probe into classified documents associated with Trump.
A second lawsuit, filed by the FBI Agents Association alongside seven anonymous employees, claims the DOJ is attempting a "mass, unlawful termination of Bureau employees" involved in the Capitol riot inquiry. National security lawyer Mark Zaid, who filed the second suit, described the agreement as a "significant victory in protecting @FBI employees!" He noted that oral arguments are slated for March 27.
Under the consent agreement, the Trump administration must provide at least two days' notice to the plaintiffs before publicly releasing any information about FBI personnel involved in the January 6 investigation. However, this agreement does not restrict the sharing of agents' identities with other government entities or the White House. The legal proceedings continue, with the aim of securing a preliminary injunction to further protect the identities of those involved.
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