Former FBI Agent Ousted Again Amid Controversy
WASHINGTON – A former FBI agent, who had been suspended during the Biden administration but later reinstated under President Trump, has faced dismissal once more, according to reports.
Steve Friend, a whistleblower, recently released a seemingly threatening message. He criticized FBI Director Kash Patel on a podcast hosted by ex-FBI agent Kyle Serafin, and it was this outburst that led to his termination on Saturday, as insiders revealed to the Post.
Friend gained attention after alleging that he was unfairly put on leave by former FBI Director Chris Wray for sharing concerns about the January 6 investigation, which resulted in nearly 1,600 charges related to the Capitol attack in 2021. Since then, he has transitioned into writing and media commentary, having once been an ally of Patel.
Initially suspended in August 2022 and resigning in February 2023, Friend returned to the FBI’s payroll on October 10. However, he was not working at the Jacksonville field office because he hadn’t completed a background check, a possible complication in a whistleblower scenario.
While promoting theories suggesting that Patel wrongfully arrested a suspect involved in the DC pipe bomb incident as part of a supposed “cover-up,” Friend made troubling comments about unleashing the “wrath of God” on Patel.
“You better pray that the real Steve Friend, whether it’s Gaia or Vishnu or whatever your creator is, is never in a position to become an instrument of God’s wrath,” he declared on the Kyle Seraphine Show on December 5, hinting at his anger.
While he didn’t name Patel directly, Friend implied that an “executive leader” within the FBI was responsible for a phony cover-up, mentioning Hindu deities, which could indicate Patel’s background.
The video of his remarks, shared by former FBI Supervisory Special Agent John Nantz on December 8, raised concerns within the agency. Nantz recounted confronting Friend to hold him accountable.
Starting Monday, Friend is required to report in person to the FBI’s Jacksonville field office, as sources informed the Post.
Reports indicate that his recent inflammatory language is part of a pattern of behavior that violates FBI policies regarding public comments about bureau matters.
Following a settlement that resulted in his rehiring and back pay through Empower Oversight, Friend’s attorney severed ties with him after his erratic outburst, as indicated in a letter sent by his legal team.
The correspondence indicates that Friend had been advised on November 24 regarding the FBI’s social media policy, yet he continued to publicly disparage the agency and engage with conspiracy theories.
“You appear unwilling to follow our advice regarding the issues discussed above,” the attorneys noted, emphasizing that his comments could lead to further disciplinary action from the FBI.
Nantz pointed out that Friend had breached FBI policy by giving interviews to the media during his suspension and even while reinstated, including one with RT, a Russian propaganda outlet, in December 2022.
Before taking office, Patel had supported Friend and Serafin, asserting they were dismissed by the Biden administration for resisting inquiries into January 6. However, upon becoming director, Patel hesitated to reinstate Friend after reviewing the reasons behind his initial firing.
Details of what was found in Friend’s personnel file remain unclear, but the FBI has stated it does not comment on specific personnel issues. Nantz highlighted the significance of Friend’s attack on Patel, who had supported Friend’s original allegations.
“Kash Patel, he’s the author of ‘Government Gangsters,’ a man entrenched in conservative circles. This is someone who previously backed them until he could access their personnel files,” Nantz commented. “So what does that tell a thoughtful person?”
The FBI declined to comment on the matter, and Friend did not respond to requests for comment.
