FBI Dismisses Analysts Over Controversial Memo on Catholic Extremism
The FBI has terminated analysts responsible for a memo that inaccurately linked extremist activities to 'radical' Catholics, prompting public apologies from FBI leadership.
The FBI has dismissed the analysts involved in creating a memo that asserted extremists were seeking to recruit individuals with 'radical' Catholic ideologies. Upon its release, the memo was swiftly rescinded by then-FBI Director Christopher Wray, who acknowledged in multiple Congressional hearings that it did not align with the bureau's standards.
Then-Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed being 'appalled' by the memo's content but rejected claims that he supported anti-Catholic discrimination. A review conducted by the Justice Department’s inspector general in 2024 found no indication of anti-Catholic bias or malicious intent from the FBI personnel who prepared the memo. However, it did identify significant analytical flaws and deficiencies in the methodology used.
Notably, some of the memo's information was derived from the Southern Poverty Law Center, which is currently facing a contentious fraud indictment. The FBI has chosen not to provide additional comments regarding the situation.