FBI Terminates Analysts Over Controversial Catholic Extremism Memo

The FBI dismissed at least five analysts who authored a 2023 intelligence memo that warned of a possible threat from "radical traditionalist Catholic" ideology, linking it to racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism. The memo, produced by the Richmond, Virginia field office, sparked a political firestorm after Republicans accused the Bureau of anti‑Catholic bias. FBI Director Kash Patel, who has overseen broad personnel changes, ordered the firings in early June 2026.

The Department of Justice’s inspector general found the analysts had failed to follow analytic tradecraft standards but saw no evidence of malicious intent or improper purpose. Attorney General Merrick Garland and former FBI Director Christopher Wray had previously expressed disappointment with the memo, and Congress issued condemnations. The dismissals are part of ongoing scrutiny of the FBI’s domestic terrorism assessments and internal management under the current administration.