On September 27, 2025, news broke that the FBI has terminated several agents for kneeling during a 2020 racial justice protest in Washington, D.C., as Daily Mail reports. This follows the death of George Floyd in May 2020, an event that ignited nationwide unrest. The firings signal a significant policy shift.
The tragic killing of Floyd by a police officer, captured on video, showed the man pleading for breath. His death sparked massive protests, some turning violent with vandalism across cities. These events set the stage for the controversial actions of the agents in question.
During one such demonstration, a group of D.C.-based FBI agents was photographed taking a knee. Inspired by National Guard tactics to calm tensions, their gesture succeeded as protesters dispersed. Yet, the image later drew harsh criticism from peers and superiors.
After the photo surfaced, some agents endured ostracism and personal attacks within the bureau. Senior officials argued the action, particularly by female agents, created tactical vulnerabilities. Despite this, a review found no policy breach, warranting no initial discipline.
However, the climate has changed under new FBI Director Kash Patel. Appointed by President Donald Trump, the current president of the United States, Patel is targeting what Trump deems “woke” influences in the agency. These firings, affecting around 20 agents, reflect that mission.
The dismissed agents were reassigned last spring before their termination. Their act of kneeling, once seen as de-escalation, is now viewed through a politicized lens. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly institutional priorities can shift under new leadership.
Last month, prior to September 27, 2025, five agents and executives faced summary dismissal. Among them were Steve Jensen, tied to January 6, 2021, Capitol riot probes; Brian Driscoll, an early Trump administration figure; and Chris Meyer, linked to unfounded Mar-a-Lago rumors.
Additional removals include agents who handled cases against Trump or led field offices. Often, no rationale was provided for their ousting, per recent reports. This wave of terminations has notably eroded morale within the bureau’s ranks.
A lawsuit filed last week by three axed agents claims Patel knew the firings might be unlawful. Allegedly, White House directives forced his hand, though Patel denies this, insisting those let go failed FBI standards. The controversy deepens with each revelation.
Back in 2020, amid protest chaos, then-President Trump urged Attorney General Bill Barr to restore order. Barr directed the FBI and others to manage crowds and guard monuments. Yet, agents lacked crowd control training, raising risks of deadly clashes.
A 2024 Justice Department report criticized these deployments as poorly planned. It highlighted inadequate guidance on missions and legal boundaries, endangering both agents and the public. Such findings question the wisdom of using federal agents in protest scenarios.
Reflecting on the kneeling incident, a voice from the past offers perspective.
“What the bureau asked those agents to do is go out on foot patrol, something they were never trained to do. They were asked to be police officers.” - A former official, speaking to CNN.
While some lament the burden placed on untrained agents, one must ask if symbolic gestures belong in federal service. The line between de-escalation and perceived activism is thin, and Patel’s reforms aim to erase such ambiguity with firm accountability.
The progressive push for symbolic solidarity often overlooks operational realities. Isn’t it ironic that agents, once cleared of wrongdoing, now face career-ending consequences? This crackdown under Trump’s vision signals a return to strict, apolitical standards for law enforcement.
Ultimately, the FBI’s actions as of September 27, 2025, underscore a broader reckoning. Patel’s tenure may redefine the bureau’s culture, prioritizing mission over messaging. Whether this restores trust or deepens division remains a pressing question for our nation’s future.
