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But what stood out in the chaos was an image of FBI agents kneeling in solidarity on Pennsylvania Avenue on June 4, 2020. The photo spread across the internet, with critics condemning the agents for “joining the mob” instead of staying neutral.
Now, years later, Patel has moved to terminate them — a decision that overturned a prior review.
Patel reverses Wray-era review
The FBI Agents Association blasted the move, demanding accountability. In a Friday statement, they reminded the public that under former Director Christopher Wray, an internal review had found no violation of policy.
They accused Patel of going too far:
“As Director Patel has repeatedly stated, nobody is above the law. But rather than providing these agents with fair treatment and due process, Patel chose to again violate the law by ignoring these agents’ constitutional and legal rights instead of following the requisite process,” the statement read.
Critics argue this marks a dangerous precedent — where agents are punished retroactively for symbolic gestures once deemed permissible.
Patel balances scandal with a murder probe
The firings come as Patel is simultaneously overseeing one of the FBI’s most high-profile investigations in years — the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with Kirk’s murder. Prosecutors confirmed they are seeking the death penalty.
Patel has promised the Bureau will leave no stone unturned.
“We are meticulously investigating theories and questions, including the location from where the shot was taken, the possibility of accomplices, the text message confession and related conversations, Discord chats, the angle of the shot and bullet impact, how the weapon was transported, hand gestures observed as potential ‘signals’ near Charlie at the time of his assassination, and visitors to the alleged shooter’s residence in the hours and days leading up to September 10, 2025,” Patel said in a post on X.
He added: “The entire FBI mourns the loss of Charlie Kirk. We will not rest until justice is served, and our investigation into this assassination will continue until every question is answered.”
Discord confessions raise more questions
Just hours before Robinson’s arrest, he reportedly confessed in a private Discord chat.
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all … It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this,” one message read.
Patel confirmed the FBI is pursuing every lead linked to that chat group.
“There are a number of individuals that are currently being investigated and interrogated, and a number yet to be investigated and interrogated, specific to that chat room. So we are very much in our ongoing posture of investigation,” Patel told senators during a Judiciary Committee hearing.
He also revealed that the Bureau is “running them all down … Every single one.”
FBI at a crossroads
The Patel-led FBI finds itself at a critical moment — firing agents over their political gestures while pursuing a sprawling murder investigation tied to one of the most prominent conservative voices in America.
Supporters say Patel is restoring credibility to an agency long viewed as compromised by politics. Critics say he is trampling due process and sending a chilling message to those who defy leadership.
Either way, the message is clear: the era of “kneeling FBI agents” is over, and Patel is determined to show the Bureau will not tolerate even the appearance of political activism on duty.
