In a recent revelation, Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has claimed that an FBI official threatened to launch a criminal investigation against a member of his staff.
This alleged threat was reportedly made in response to Massie's persistent inquiries into the pipe bombs discovered on January 6th.
According to The Blaze, Massie recounted the incident in an interview with investigative reporter Steve Baker. The Kentucky representative quoted the unnamed FBI official as saying, "We're going to investigate one of your staff for fraud."
The official allegedly added, "If you guys don't straighten up, you know, if you want to play hardball, if this is how you want to play it...this member of your staff is going to get criminally investigated for fraud."
Massie, a staunch advocate of limited government and individual freedom, did not disclose the identity of the official who purportedly made the threat. However, he did mention that he reported the incident to FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. Massie quoted Bongino's response as, "I'll take care of that," indicating that even the Deputy Director recognized the potential illegality and impropriety of the situation.
The FBI official later sent Massie a text that the congressman described as a "non-apology," stating, "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings." Massie noted that the official did not express any remorse for his actions.
Massie has been at the forefront of the investigation into the pipe bombs discovered behind the Capitol Hill Club and under a park bench near the Democratic National Committee building on January 6th. His relentless pursuit of the truth has led him to believe that certain U.S. Capitol Police officials may have been involved in the planting of the bombs.
"I went from 90% certain that some Capitol Police were involved in the Jan. 6 pipe bomb to 95% certain, and now I'm at 99% certain after this new story that you put out this week," Massie told Baker.
This belief is based on recent reporting by The Blaze, which highlighted a former Capitol Police officer who was a potential forensic match to the bomb suspect. The report also detailed the discovery of the second device by plainclothes Capitol Police officers and the obstacles Massie faced from the Capitol Police during his investigation.
Massie named Assistant Police Chief Ashan Benedict as the individual who specifically obstructed his investigation. Benedict retired last week, a move that has done little to quell Massie's frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation.
The Kentucky representative also expressed disappointment with FBI Director Kash Patel, who he believes has not made significant strides in the investigation compared to his predecessor, Director Christopher Wray. Patel has promised major developments in the case but has provided few details.
The Blaze has been actively seeking independent confirmation of a CBS story, which cited three unidentified sources claiming that the FBI had cleared the police officer who appeared to match a forensic gait analysis of the bomber. The officer was reportedly playing with her puppies at the time the devices were placed, providing her with an alibi.
The Blaze's reporting has also shed light on a former Capitol Police officer who was identified as a potential match to the alleged pipe bomber based on a computer analysis of their walking patterns. The person, who has since denied any allegations through her attorney, was rated as a 94% match by the algorithm used in the analysis.
Massie's office released a video in July 2023 showing a man in dark clothing and a ball cap approaching a U.S. Secret Service SUV parked in the driveway of the DNC building. The vehicle was part of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' security detail, and Harris was inside the building when the pipe bomb was discovered.
Despite the obstacles, Massie remains determined to interview the agents involved in the case and continues to push for transparency and accountability. He believes that these interviews should be transcribed and the individuals should be sworn in, emphasizing the importance of the FBI's role in conducting these investigations.
Massie also expressed concern for the safety of a whistleblower who filed a protected disclosure with him and U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.). The whistleblower alleged that the termination of surveillance at a Falls Church condominium complex was improper and suggested that a person of interest should be questioned face-to-face.
The congressman's concerns are not unfounded, given his claim of the FBI official's threat against his staff. He stated, "If they're willing to retaliate against a congressional office, which has speech or debate immunity and a lot of other protections, they may be willing to retaliate against the whistleblower."
The whistleblower's attorney, Kurt Siuzdak, sent a letter to Massie and Loudermilk warning that any attempt by the FBI to identify the whistleblower would violate the supervisory agent's protections under the law. Siuzdak wrote, "Identifying the whistleblower serves only one purpose, which is to allow FBI management to retaliate."
Despite the challenges, Massie remains steadfast in his pursuit of the truth, embodying the conservative values of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. His efforts underscore the importance of holding government agencies accountable and ensuring that justice is served.
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