Brief

Nine former FBI agents sue Director Kash Patel and AG Todd Blanche over February firings

The lawsuit claims the dismissals were politically motivated and linked to the Trump classified‑documents probe.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:04:48 GMT

Nine former FBI employees filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday, October 15, 2026, accusing FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Todd Blanche of unlawful firings tied to the investigation of former President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents.

What happened

The plaintiffs, who worked on the classified‑documents investigation, say they were dismissed in February 2026 without advance notice, a hearing, or an opportunity to appeal. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington.

What the reports add

TimesNowNews notes that the lawsuit links the timing of the firings to criticism of Patel after videos showed him drinking beer with members of the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team during the Milan Winter Olympics. AmGreatness adds that attorney Abbe Lowell described the terminations as satisfying “the President’s personal vendetta.” Both outlets cite statements by Attorney General Todd Blanche that the administration had “cleaned house” at the FBI, removing personnel connected to Trump investigations.

What was said

Attorney Abbe Lowell told AmGreatness, “Plaintiffs were unlawfully terminated not for any cause or any legitimate reason, but only to satisfy the President’s personal vendetta.”

How it came about

Felo News previously reported on the same lawsuit on October 15, 2026 (Fired FBI staff sue to regain jobs, say terminations were political retribution), noting that all plaintiffs were dismissed in February 2026 under Patel and that Patel had testified the dismissed employees had “weaponized” the FBI. The current reports expand on the alleged political motive and add the context of Patel’s public appearances during the Olympics.

Key facts

Nine former FBI agents filed a lawsuit on October 15, 2026. (timesnownews.com)
The lawsuit names FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Todd Blanche as defendants. (timesnownews.com)
Plaintiffs say they were dismissed in February 2026 without due process. (amgreatness.com)
Attorney Abbe Lowell said the terminations served the President’s personal vendetta. (amgreatness.com)