The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has dismissed around 20 agents who were photographed kneeling in solidarity during the 2020 racial justice protests following the killing of George Floyd. The move, announced on September 26, 2025, has ignited widespread controversy across the United States.
The agents, captured during demonstrations in Washington, had initially been reassigned earlier this year. While some defended their kneeling as a gesture of de-escalation amid tense protests, critics argued it was an inappropriate political stance for federal law enforcement officers.
Although earlier internal reviews reportedly found no wrongdoing, FBI leadership went ahead with the terminations. The bureau has declined to publicly comment, citing policy against disclosing personnel matters.
The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) condemned the dismissals, calling them a breach of due process and warning that the decision undermines both morale and institutional trust. The group noted that the agents had previously been cleared of any policy violations.
Observers are divided: some see the firings as an effort by the FBI under Director Kash Patel to enforce stricter neutrality standards, while others view them as a politically driven purge. Patel has already overseen multiple personnel changes since assuming office.
The controversy has heightened concerns about morale, institutional knowledge, and public trust within the FBI at a time when law enforcement agencies remain under intense national scrutiny.
Report by: Kendrick Ovie | Edited by: Chris Odjomah