Gaetz queries FBI on agents’ potential promotion after kneeling to protesters in 2020.

Rep. Matt Gaetz Slams FBI Over Agents Kneeling in Front of Protesters

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has taken a strong stance against the FBI, demanding answers from Director Christopher Wray regarding the promotion of agents who were photographed kneeling in front of protesters in 2020.

During a demonstration in Washington, D.C. on June 4, 2020, some FBI agents were seen kneeling in front of protesters, protesting the death of George Floyd. It has been alleged that these agents received commendations from FBI executive management. However, it remains unclear whether their actions during the protest played a role in their career advancement.

Law Enforcement or Political Engagement?

Gaetz expressed his concerns to Fox News, stating, “Many FBI personnel we were trusting to be on the front lines were photographed kneeling in surrender to people who at times were violent. The purpose of law enforcement is to keep people safe, not to engage in politics. For the last several years, we’ve seen the FBI more interested in virtue signaling and political activity than in just the nuts and bolts in evaluating the facts and the law.”

According to a whistleblower, Gaetz claims that agents who knelt to the protesters were rewarded with “plum personnel opportunities and promotions and advancements.” One of these agents, Gaetz believes, is Sarah Linden, the assistant special agent in charge of the Washington field office.

Seeking Answers from Director Wray

In a letter addressed to Wray, Gaetz requested confirmation that the attached photograph indeed depicted Linden and that her promotion was based on merit rather than grandstanding.

Gaetz wrote, “Sarah Linden, we understand, now is leading the criminal division of the Washington field office. If that’s the case, we want to know that that was a decision based on merit, not a decision solely as a consequence of a political performance.”

The Florida congressman also sought clarification on the timing of Linden’s promotion within the agency and whether the FBI was aware of her “support for the attacks on the FBI and other federal personnel” when she was promoted.

Gaetz emphasized that he did not have information on the identities of the other five agents who allegedly knelt in front of the protesters. However, he strongly criticized the FBI’s actions, stating that they were “demoralizing” to law enforcement officers.

Director Wray has until July 7 to respond to Gaetz’s inquiries.

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