In a recent development, officials revealed that 10 FBI whistleblowers who faced sanctions from the Biden administration for exposing issues of “political weaponization” will receive a lump sum payment as part of a settlement with the Department of Justice.
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) commented on the settlement, saying, “The courageous actions of these whistleblowers resulted in serious bureaucratic repercussions that caused them financial and emotional distress. Their struggle lasted for years, but they continued to fight for justice.”
He also expressed gratitude towards various officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, for prioritizing accountability in these cases.
During the Biden administration, several whistleblowers experienced setbacks, such as revoked security clearances and being placed on indefinite unpaid administrative leave. Grassley’s office indicated that, collectively, these individuals faced more than 12 years of inappropriate downtimes.
Represented by a legal non-profit, the whistleblowers highlighted the perceived retaliation and targeting they faced while working at the FBI. An earlier letter from March emphasized this intent to resolve the harm caused by the agency.
The list of whistleblowers includes:
FBI Special Agent Stephen Friend
Friend was suspended indefinitely and lost his security clearance after he opposed using a SWAT team to apprehend a defendant from the January 6 riot, who faced misdemeanor charges. He expressed concerns about public safety risks and noted that those arrested had previously worked with the bureau.
FBI Special Agent Garrett O’Boyle
O’Boyle, who served in Virginia’s critical incident response group, faced indefinite suspension without pay while being investigated for allegedly leaking information related to Project Veritas. He asserts he only accessed FBI files as part of his whistleblower protection.
Before his suspension, O’Boyle had just uprooted his family for the position in Virginia after previously working in Wichita.
FBI Special Agent Zachery Schoffstall
Schoffstall, based in Idaho, revealed misconduct related to a DOJ investigation involving the white supremacist group Patriot Front. He expressed concerns that the investigation could be politically motivated.
Schoffstall refused to sign search warrant affidavits that he felt implicated agents who lacked necessary knowledge, resulting in his temporary reassignment.
Monica Schillingburg
Schillingburg, another whistleblower, raised alarms about significant mismanagement within the bureau and potential illegal handling of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System appeals. After voicing her concerns, she was reassigned, which diminished her responsibilities.
FBI Special Agent Michaels Mar
Mar reported prosecutorial misconduct regarding a plea deal related to a district attorney facing sexual offense charges. He found conflicts of interest but was denied permission to report them, subsequently experiencing repercussions that included losing his security clearance.
While some whistleblowers opted to remain anonymous, they indicated that the pursuit of justice for retaliation continues. They stressed that not all have received the remedies they deserve.
The settlements vary among those involved, but none stipulate a resignation as a contract condition, each including a lump sum payment for damages. All parties involved—Friend, O’Boyle, and Schoffstall—are to be reinstated to their positions.
