The Federal Bureau of Investigation revoked three agents’ security clearances over issues related to the January 6, 2021 insurrection upon the U.S. Capitol, ABC News reported Thursday.
According to a letter sent Wednesday from the FBI to Congressional investigators obtained by ABC, one of the agents—Brett Gloss—was among the mob at the Capitol while two others allegedly hindered the investigation into the deadly attack.
At least two of the agents—Steve Friend and Marcus Allen—were set to testify Thursday before the House select subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).
The FBI’s letter asserts that Agent Gloss knowingly illegally entered a restricted zone around the U.S. Capitol on January 6. It goes on to say that he provided false information during an interview about what he observed that day as well as about his location.
The FBI letter also says that Agent Friend refused to participate in a court-authorized search and arrest of a criminal suspect. The feds also assert that he “espoused an alternate narrative” about January 6 and that he posted sensitive FBI information on social media. Further, he was interviewed by Russian media without first getting approval from the FBI’s public affairs office.
Agent Allen also “espoused alternative theories” to coworkers, both verbally and electronically, “in apparent attempts to hinder investigative activity,” the letter says.
All three agents had their security clearances revoked earlier this month, according to the Bureau, citing among the FBI’s reasoning “criminal activity,” as well as “conduct involving lack of candor, dishonesty, or unwillingness to comply with rules and regulations,” per the letter.
Rep. Jordan’s spokesperson Russel Dye told ABC that the FBI letter was sent as an act of desperation to “salvage their reputation” before “brave whistleblowers testify about the agency’s politicized behavior and retaliation against anyone who dares speak out.”
Four people died during the January 6 insurrection, and five police officers died of various causes following the attack.
