FBI Fires Agents Photographed Kneeling During 2020 Protests

NPR reported on September 27, 2025, that the FBI has fired agents who were photographed kneeling during racial justice protests in 2020. The agents said the gesture was an act of de-escalation during tense confrontations with demonstrators. Following the events, an internal review under then-Director Christopher Wray found the agents had not violated any FBI policy, and no disciplinary action was taken at the time. The recent terminations, which sources told the Associated Press affected roughly 20 employees, reverse that earlier decision. The FBI declined to comment on personnel matters.

mprnews.org reported, The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) condemned the firings, stating the dismissals were unlawful and violated the due process rights of the agents. The association criticized FBI Director Kash Patel, claiming his actions weaken the Bureau by removing valuable expertise and damaging trust within the workforce. The FBIAA has called on Congress to investigate the terminations, which it described as part of a "dangerous new pattern" that disregards the legal rights of bureau employees.