The FBI has dismissed several senior officials, including former acting director Brian Driscoll. This decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the bureau's handling of investigations related to the January 6 Capitol riot.

Driscoll, who briefly served as acting director at the start of President Donald Trump's second term, was known for resisting a Justice Department request to provide a list of agents involved in January 6 investigations. In a memo to FBI employees, he expressed concerns about the implications of such a request, stating, "This request encompasses thousands of employees across the country who have supported these investigative efforts. I am one of those employees."

In an email to colleagues, Driscoll announced his termination, stating he was not given a reason for his firing. He wrote, "Last night I was informed that tomorrow will be my last day in the FBI. I understand that you may have a lot of questions regarding why, for which I currently have no answers. It has been the honor of my life to serve alongside each of you. Thank you for allowing me to stand on your shoulders throughout it all. Our collective sacrifices for those we serve is, and will always be, worth it. I regret nothing. You are my heroes and I remain in your debt."

Driscoll had a nearly 20-year career with the FBI, including roles on the Hostage Rescue Team and as the agent-in-charge of the Newark Field Office. His resistance to the Justice Department's request reportedly earned him respect among many FBI agents, who feared the list could lead to a purge of those involved in January 6 cases.

The request for the list came from then-Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, who indicated it would be used to review personnel actions. Bove described the events of January 6 as a "grave national injustice" and emphasized the FBI's involvement in the investigations.

In addition to Driscoll, Steve Jensen, the assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office, was also fired. Jensen had a significant role in the January 6 investigations and had been with the FBI for nearly 20 years. He was scheduled to attend a press conference regarding an indictment related to a shooting incident but did not appear. The U.S. Attorney's Office declined to comment on his absence or departure.

The FBI's field offices and headquarters have not commented on the firings. The FBI Agents Association expressed concern over the dismissals, suggesting that agents are being terminated without due process for performing their duties. The association stated, "Agents are not given the option to pick and choose their cases, and these Agents carried out their assignments with professionalism and integrity. Most importantly, they followed the law."

The association is considering legal options to protect its members, warning that firing agents without due process could compromise public safety. Since Trump took office, several prosecutors involved in January 6 cases have also been dismissed, with some challenging their terminations in court.