Washington, D.C. — In a sweeping decision that has drawn national attention, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has removed three high-ranking FBI officials connected to the agency’s investigations into the January 6 Capitol riot, signaling what insiders describe as a major restructuring within the Bureau’s leadership.
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the dismissed officials include Brian Driscoll, former Acting FBI Director; Steven Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office; and veteran Special Agent Walter Giardina. All three reportedly received termination notices within the same week, marking what some have called an unprecedented internal shake-up.
Official Confirmations and Internal Reactions
Brian Driscoll, a 20-year FBI veteran who briefly served as acting director early in President Donald Trump’s second term, confirmed his removal in an internal email sent to colleagues.
“Last night I was informed that tomorrow will be my last day in the FBI,” Driscoll wrote. “I understand that you may have a lot of questions regarding why, for which I currently have no answers.”
Driscoll’s message, obtained by multiple media outlets, described his pride in serving the agency while expressing regret over his abrupt departure.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve alongside each of you,” he added. “I regret nothing. You are my heroes, and I remain in your debt.”
Officials close to Driscoll said he had been under increasing scrutiny for his handling of internal communications related to the January 6 investigations, particularly regarding a request from Justice Department leadership for a complete roster of personnel involved in the cases.
In a memo circulated at the time, Driscoll reportedly objected to sharing the list, citing privacy and operational concerns. The memo read, in part:
“This request encompasses thousands of employees across the country who have supported these investigative efforts. I am one of those employees.”
Steven Jensen Confirms Termination
Steven Jensen, who had served just four months as head of the Washington Field Office — a key command center overseeing the Capitol riot probe — also confirmed his dismissal in a farewell letter dated August 8.
“I intend to meet this challenge like any other I have faced in this organization, with professionalism, integrity, and dignity,” Jensen wrote. “Never waver in your resolve to answer the call to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution.”
Jensen’s brief tenure was marked by internal disagreements over the scope of the FBI’s authority in politically sensitive investigations, particularly those involving former federal officials and members of Congress.
While the Justice Department did not publicly comment on the reasons for Jensen’s termination, senior aides familiar with the decision described it as part of a broader effort to “restore discipline and transparency” within the Bureau.
Walter Giardina’s Departure Marks End of Era
The third official dismissed, Walter Giardina, was a long-serving FBI Special Agent with over 25 years of service. Known for his involvement in high-profile counterintelligence cases, Giardina had recently been assigned to an internal oversight role.
According to one colleague, Giardina’s removal “came as a shock” to many within the Bureau.
“Walter was respected by agents across the country,” said one agent who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He believed deeply in the integrity of the Bureau and often pushed back when he thought politics were interfering with the mission.”
Administration’s Message: Accountability and Reform
Officials close to the White House described the dismissals as part of a broader restructuring aimed at addressing “systemic problems” within federal law enforcement.
A senior Justice Department spokesperson declined to discuss individual personnel matters but emphasized that the administration is focused on “ensuring accountability, professionalism, and renewed public trust” within the FBI.
“We remain committed to enforcing the law fairly and restoring integrity across all levels of the Department of Justice,” the spokesperson said.
Privately, aides have framed the dismissals as a response to what they view as years of bureaucratic resistance, leaks, and inconsistent cooperation between the FBI and other federal agencies.
Critics Warn of Political Motivations
However, critics have warned that the timing and scope of the dismissals risk fueling perceptions of political interference. Several former FBI officials told reporters that mass firings of this nature could undermine morale and disrupt ongoing investigations.
Laura Benson, a former Deputy Director of the FBI’s Ethics Division, said the move raises questions about the line between reform and retaliation.
“There’s always a tension between leadership accountability and political control,” Benson explained. “If these decisions were made to improve oversight and transparency, that’s one thing. But if they were driven by political motivations, it could have long-term consequences for the Bureau’s independence.”
Members of Congress from both parties have requested additional information about the firings, including whether they were based on performance reviews, ethics findings, or policy disagreements.
The Broader Context: Ongoing January 6 Investigations
The dismissals come as federal agencies continue to navigate complex legal and political fallout from the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Thousands of individuals have been arrested or charged in connection with the events of that day, with investigations spanning multiple states and involving extensive coordination between the FBI, Department of Justice, and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
Some officials within the Bureau have expressed frustration that political disputes have overshadowed the agency’s work on those cases. Others argue that renewed leadership may bring much-needed clarity to the process.
“There’s been fatigue, confusion, and a lot of second-guessing,” said one federal law enforcement official familiar with the investigations. “New leadership could help reset expectations and move forward.”
Public and Political Reactions
Reaction to the news was swift and divided. Supporters of the administration praised the decision as a long-overdue effort to remove entrenched bureaucrats and restore efficiency.
“This sends a strong message that nobody is above accountability — not even senior officials,” said political strategist Daniel Rourke. “The public has lost confidence in how these investigations have been handled, and this is a step toward fixing that.”
Opponents, meanwhile, accused the administration of using the firings to consolidate control over federal law enforcement agencies.
“Purging senior officials during an active investigation raises serious red flags,” said Senator Claire Ramirez (D–CA). “The American people deserve transparency about why these individuals were targeted and how their removal will affect ongoing cases.”
What Happens Next
With three senior positions now vacant, the Justice Department is expected to announce interim replacements in the coming days. Officials say new leadership selections will prioritize “integrity, operational discipline, and nonpartisan professionalism.”
In the meantime, Deputy FBI Director James Lockhart will oversee the Washington Field Office until a permanent replacement is confirmed.
“Our mission continues,” Lockhart told agents in a brief memo. “These changes, while difficult, should remind all of us of the responsibility we carry to serve the nation faithfully.”
Analysts suggest that the firings may be part of a larger effort to overhaul personnel at the top levels of the Bureau, potentially reshaping the agency’s structure and internal culture for years to come.
A Defining Moment for the Bureau
As Washington reacts to the sudden departures, one thing appears clear: the FBI is entering a period of transition unlike any in recent memory.
The leadership shake-up underscores ongoing tensions between political leaders and federal law enforcement agencies — tensions that have defined much of the national conversation since January 6.
Whether these dismissals represent a step toward reform or a deepening of political polarization remains to be seen. But within the Bureau, the message has already been received: change is underway, and the stakes are higher than ever.