The government watchdog group Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the FBI for allegedly placing an analyst on administrative leave who is accused of supporting conspiracy theories that support the Jan. 6 Capitol protests.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina in support of FBI analyst Marcus Allen. His military service awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
BREAKING: Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit on behalf of FBI analyst Marcus Allen in the District Court for SC against FBI Director Wray for violating Allen’s constitutional rights by falsely accusing him of holding “conspiratorial views,” & more (1/3). https://t.co/uOZknNOrDZ
— Judicial Watch ⚖️ (@JudicialWatch) December 15, 2022
The FBI revoked Allen’s security clearance in Jan. after an internal investigation found he was supporting conspiracy theories and promoting unreliable information that indicated support for the protest, which occurred about a year earlier, Jan. 6 2021,. “These allegations raise sufficient concerns about your allegiance to the United States and your judgment to warrant a suspension of your clearance pending further investigation,” the FBI wrote.
In Feb., Allen was informed that he would be placed on administrative leave without pay as a result of the suspension of his clearance by the agency.
According to Judicial Watch and other conservative-leaning groups and individuals, FBI officials are making an increased effort under the Biden administration to remove any employees who support conservative views and ideas from the agency. According to Judicial Watch, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), one of the most conservative members of Congress, said, “Multiple whistleblowers have called it a ‘purge’ of FBI employees holding conservative views.”
The lawsuit filed against FBI Director Christopher Wray alleges Wray violated Allen’s constitutional rights by denying him clearance and suspending him without pay. According to the suit, Allen demonstrated allegiance to the U.S. through “years of exemplary military and law enforcement service,” and that he “was not involved in the events of Jan. 6 and did not support them in any material way. The FBI has made no allegation or offered any evidence to the contrary.” Despite Allen’s repeated requests, the FBI did not give him a chance to clear himself.
