FBI Disbands Corruption Unit Following Misconduct Findings
FBI Director Kash Patel recently disclosed that the bureau has terminated several employees over misconduct related to the surveillance of Republican senators. Additionally, the FBI has dissolved its public corruption division, known as CR-15, as highlighted in a new Senate Judiciary Committee report.
Documents acquired by the FBI indicate that during Biden’s administration, eight Republican senators and one Republican House member were targeted. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley announced these findings on Monday, as part of his investigation dubbed “Arctic Frost.”
On Tuesday, Patel elaborated on the report, mentioning that former special counsel Jack Smith allegedly monitored personal communications of the aforementioned Republican officials in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol protests.
In light of these revelations, the FBI terminated the employees involved in this incident and disbanded Unit CR-15. Patel further mentioned that the agency had engaged in what he called “unsubstantiated surveillance” during this period and that further investigations were imminent.
“We have spent 30 years cleaning up a sick temple. We will identify corrupt temples, remove those who have weaponized law enforcement for political purposes, and restore the integrity of the FBI. I’ve promised reform, and we will deliver,” Patel stated.
He continued, “They tracked the communications of Republican senators. They weaponized law enforcement against the American people. Those days are over. We have fired those who acted unethically, dismantled the corrupt CR-15 unit, and initiated an investigation. Transparency and accountability are not just slogans; they’re promises kept.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also reacted, reaffirming, “We promised you transparency and accountability, and we will continue to deliver on that promise. You deserve better.”
According to the report, Smith and his team had been tracking phone data from the personal cell phones of several specific Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham and Ron Johnson, among others. Additionally, they were monitoring the phone numbers of everyone these senators contacted.
President Donald Trump responded enthusiastically to the news on Truth Social, remarking, “Deranged Jack Smith stuck his hand in the cookie jar. What a despicable person!!!”
