FBI Revokes Security Clearances of Three Agents Over Capitol Riot Involvement

FBI Revokes Security Clearances of Three Agents Over Capitol Riot Involvement

Three FBI agents, including two who were set to testify before a House Judiciary subcommittee this week, had their security clearances revoked recently over concerns about their views on and participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. The individuals who had their clearances pulled were identified as Stephen Friend, Marcus Allen, and Brett Gloss in a letter from the bureau to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Friend's top-secret clearance was revoked Tuesday after investigators in the bureau’s security division determined that he had “espoused an alternative narrative about the events at the U.S. Capitol." Allen's was revoked earlier this month after he failed to report publicly available information about a Jan.6 suspect that he “should have” obtained for a case.

The Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee is set to hear testimony from both agents specifically lost their clearance in part because of their sympathies for the perpetrators of the January 6 attack.

According to a letter sent to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), chairman of the committee by FBI Assistant Director Jill Sanborn, "Agent Stephen Friend presented several security concerns related to his personal conduct, handling of protected information and 'use of information technology.'" Meanwhile, Agent Marcus Allen had his clearance suspended due to concerns about his "allegiance to United States."

In addition, it was noted that Agent Brett Gloss denied witnessing any violence during January 6th event but admitted entering a restricted area around U.S Capitol without proper authorization.

These revelations could lead to contentious hearings as Democrats may use these details against Republicans' efforts aimed at undermining investigations into events surrounding January 6th attacks on capitol hill while also seeking justice those involved with instigating violence during said incident