By Maribel Velazquez
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fired several analysts related to the preparation of a controversial 2023 intelligence memo that warned of a possible threat of extremism linked to certain sectors of traditionalist Catholicism. The measure was homicide under the direction of Kash Patelappointed by the president donald trumpand adds to a series of internal changes that have generated debate about the independence of the agency.
Among those fired, according to AP, are four intelligence analysts and a supervisor who participated in the preparation of the document produced by the FBI office in Richmond, Virginia. According to his lawyer, David Laufman, the decision is “manifestly unfair” and contradicts the institution’s usual procedures.
A report that sparked a political storm
The memo was prepared in January 2023 and examined possible links between groups defined as “radical traditionalist Catholics” and people with extremist tendencies motivated by racial or ethnic reasons.
When the document was made public, it provoked strong criticism from Republican legislators, who used it as an example of what they considered ideological persecution against conservative sectors during the administration of Joe Biden.
The then-FBI leadership quickly withdrew the report and ordered an internal review. Likewise, the former total prosecutor Merrick Garland He said he felt “dismayed” by the content of the document.
Internal reviews found no bad faith
Various subsequent investigations concluded that the analysts made methodological errors and did not adequately follow intelligence analysis standards. However, both an internal FBI review and a Justice Department full inspector report released in 2024 determined that there was no evidence of malicious conduct or improper intent.
Reports said the document created the mistaken impression that the FBI was investigating people for their religious affiliation, something prohibited by the agency’s constitutional and operating principles.
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