FBI agent at center of whistleblower retaliation claims ahead of congressional hearing

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The FBI agent leading the investigation into an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is facing allegations of retaliating against conservative agents, according to a letter sent to Congress by the watchdog group Empower Oversight. The letter, addressed to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, claims that Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Veltri, formerly of the FBI’s Security Division, targeted agents for their political views and retaliated against whistleblowers.

These allegations come ahead of a planned hearing by the Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government on September 25. Empower Oversight president, Tristan Leavitt, stated that whistleblowers from the FBI’s Security Division have accused Veltri of misconduct during his time as Deputy Assistant Director.

Among the whistleblowers is former FBI agent Marcus Allen, who questioned FBI Director Christopher Wray’s testimony regarding the January 6 investigations. Allen’s security clearance was suspended in 2022, despite an investigator's doubts about the necessity of the suspension. Empower Oversight claims Veltri bypassed the standard investigation process to push for Allen's suspension.

The FBI has denied the claims, stating that Veltri was selected to lead the Miami field office through a competitive process and has acted without bias.