FBI, DHS Joint Bulletin Reveals Surge in Threats Against Federal Employees
Brennan Center for Justice
In a joint advisory bulletin, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have alerted federal employees and law enforcement about the recent surge in threats against government officials. The threats stem from two events in recent weeks: (1) the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R.5376), which authorizes $80 billion for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to rebuild its workforce and modernize its information technology (IT) system; and (2) the execution of a search warrant at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.
The bulletin warns federal employees of an increase in threats on social media sites, web forums, video sharing platforms, and image boards. The five-page report calls on authorities to be vigilant and to be aware of issues surrounding domestic violent extremists, past and present incidents, and past behaviors. Moreover, the joint bulletin also reported seeing personal information of federal employees directly involved in the search as possible targets of violence. The bulletin notes information such as home addresses and identifying family members may be additional targets of violence.
Agency officials also referenced an episode that occurred days after Trump’s home was searched on August 8, 2022, when Ricky Shiffer tried to breach the FBI's Cincinnati, Ohio field office. Shiffer was armed with an AR-15 style rifle and a nail gun. A standoff with law enforcement led to Shiffer's death after he fled the scene.
In response to the uptick in threats, stakeholders have voiced concern over the violence directed at federal employees.
The Professional Managers Association (PMA), which represents professional managers, management officials, and non-bargaining unit employees across the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), suggested that attacks on federal employees may be the result of the American public's misunderstanding of the apolitical role of the career federal workforce.
“The priority setting role of the President ensures a politically accountable body sets enforcement priorities so the people can remove from office a President whose priorities they disagree with. Conversely, individual IRS employees do not set enforcement priorities and do not write the tax laws of our nation. They merely use their expertise execute the will of our elected leaders. Similarly, individual FBI agents do not write laws or select political opponents for investigation,” PMA Executive Director Chad Hooper added. “They simply execute the will of elected leaders in accordance with the law as written. Yet, as FBI agents are currently experiencing, IRS managers have seen firsthand how displeasure with the federal tax code, its enforcement, or general animus to the government can lead to frustration and even violence.”
The National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (NAAUSA) statement highlighted the need for Congress to enact legislation safeguarding the private personal information of all federal employees, from agents on the front-line and personnel at headquarters to prosecutors and federal judges.
“Given the vast protections embedded in our government to ensure the apolitical delivery of government services, the uptick in violence against federal law enforcement is extremely concerning. The recent Joint Intelligence Bulletin on Violent Threats Against Federal Law Enforcement, Courts, and Government Personnel and Facilities further underscores the troubling environment that currently exists in our civic discourse,” NAAUSA President Steve Wasserman stated. “We cannot allow violent extremists to threaten our national and homeland security apparatus by threatening and intimidating law enforcement personnel.”
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), as the largest federal employee union, denounced the threats against federal employees and law enforcement.
“Threats of violence, intimidation, and physical attacks against law enforcement and government officials have no place in civil society,” stated AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “To preserve the rule of law and protect the safety of the 700,000 government workers we represent, political leaders must tone down their overheated rhetoric and allow federal law enforcement officials to perform their jobs free from political interference.”
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) noted that while law enforcement officials are aware their work makes them targets, the rise in politically motivated threats in recent years is “unprecedented” and “unacceptable”.
“Our nation is in a sad state when law enforcement face threats for simply doing their job. Few will appreciate that this week alone FBI investigations led to the successful charging of members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) involved in a transnational murder plot, the sentencing of three individuals charged with a racially motivated killing in Georgia, and the sentencing of an attorney who assisted in smuggling heroin into a Kansas correctional facility,” stated FLEOA National President Larry Cosme. “These are just some of the extremely critical investigations led by the FBI and their dedicated team of agents. Their work saves countless American lives every day and they should be honored for that work.”
