FBI Director Kash Patel terminated a group of intelligence analysts from the bureau's Richmond office on Friday, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
Background of the Memo
The analysts were involved in a 2023 memo titled, “Interest of Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists in Radical-Traditionalist Catholic Ideology Almost Certainly Presents New Mitigation Opportunities.” The memo, which was later rescinded, suggested that some white supremacists and racially motivated violent extremists were attempting to recruit a small subset of “radical traditionalist Catholics” and recommended intelligence gathering in Catholic congregations.
Origin and Controversy
The memo originated from a domestic terrorism investigation into a Virginia violent extremist who joined a Catholic sect not recognized by the Vatican. Republicans had criticized the memo as evidence of anti-Catholic bias, though an investigation found no such bias.
Scope of Firings
At least five analysts were included in the firings.