• Twelve former FBI agents are suing over their dismissal for kneeling during 2020 protests.
• The agents argue their actions were to de-escalate a tense situation, not a political statement.
• The lawsuit claims unlawful retaliation by FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials.
• The incidents occurred amid nationwide protests following George Floyd's death.
• The fired agents describe a politically motivated campaign against them by the Trump administration.

Twelve former FBI agents have filed a lawsuit alleging they were wrongfully terminated by the Justice Department for taking a knee during racial justice protests in 2020. The agents contend their actions were aimed at de-escalating a potentially violent situation rather than expressing a political stance. The lawsuit describes the tumultuous environment surrounding their decision, particularly after the police killing of George Floyd, which had incited widespread protests across the United States, including in Washington, D.C., according to NPR and Reuters.

The agents allege that their termination was part of a "politicized campaign of retribution" initiated by the Trump administration after an internal review cleared them of any misconduct related to the kneeling incident. The lawsuit highlights that their actions were intended to prevent further violence, clarifying they had not been properly trained or equipped for crowd control during the protests. FBI Director Kash Patel is accused of targeting the agents for removal shortly after his confirmation, as noted by Al Jazeera and CBS News.

The allegations state that Patel and others perceived the agents' actions as lacking support for the Trump administration and labeled them as "unprofessional." The lawsuit cites that moments before kneeling, the agents were surrounded by a restless crowd, and their intent was to avoid a violent confrontation. The terminations have sparked broader concerns about the politicization within federal law enforcement, particularly under the current administration, as mentioned in reports from Reuters and CBS News.

The former agents, including experienced counterterrorism specialists, request to be reinstated along with back pay, alleging that their First and Fifth Amendment rights were violated. They argue that internal processes are being undermined, making law enforcement less effective and safe, according to Al Jazeera and NPR.