Washington: Three former senior FBI officials have sued Director Kash Patel, alleging they were unlawfully removed from their posts.
The lawsuit claims the terminations were politically driven and linked to investigations involving former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The plaintiffs are Brian Driscoll, Steve Jensen, and Spencer Evans. They say they were dismissed last month alongside other veteran agents. All three held senior roles overseeing terrorism, violent crime, and national security investigations.
The suit names Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the Executive Office of the President as defendants.
It was filed in a federal court earlier this week.
According to the complaint, Patel told Driscoll that the firings were “likely illegal” but could not be stopped. Driscoll says Patel also stated, “The FBI tried to put the president in jail and he hasn’t forgotten it.” The plaintiffs argue this shows their dismissals were ordered for political retaliation.
Driscoll previously led the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team and served as acting FBI director before Patel’s appointment. The lawsuit says tensions rose when Driscoll refused a Justice Department request to provide names of agents working on the January 6 Capitol riot investigation. He was later accused of insubordination.
The plaintiffs argue their removals were not based on misconduct or performance issues. They say the actions disrupted critical investigations and weakened the FBI’s operational strength. They claim removing experienced leadership puts national security at risk.
The lawsuit states that the sudden dismissals left high-level investigative teams without guidance. It says the firings damaged morale within the agency and undermined trust in the FBI’s independence.
The plaintiffs are seeking reinstatement to their previous roles. They are also asking for back pay and a formal ruling that their terminations were unlawful. They want a public opportunity to clear their names.
The case has drawn attention due to its links to the Trump-era investigations and the allegations of political influence. Neither Patel nor the other named officials have issued public responses so far.
Court proceedings are expected to begin in the coming months. The lawsuit could test legal limits on political involvement in federal law enforcement personnel decisions.
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