FBI revokes security clearances of 3 agents over Jan. 6 Capitol riot

Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Photo credit Getty Images

Three FBI agents have had their top-secret security clearances revoked in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot.

The agents -- identified as Marcus Allen, Stephen Friend and Brett Gloss -- have also been suspended while investigations continue, according to a letter from the FBI to congressional investigators, obtained by ABC News.

The letter accuses the agents of questionable judgement, willingness to compromise national security, lack of candor, and questions their allegiance to the United States.

Gloss is accused of criminal trespassing by entering a restricted zone around the Capitol where protesters were clashing with police, and expressing support for the rioters who stormed and entered the building.

"The FBI also determined that Mr. Gloss provided false and/or misleading information during his security interview about what he observed on January 6 and whether he was in the restricted area that day. Mr. Gloss denies observing any violence or being in the restricted area," the letter says. "The FBI's investigation showed that Mr. Gloss remained in the restricted area even after what he believed was a deployment of tear gas and/or pepper spray, after witnessing protestors struggling with law enforcement trying to maintain barriers and eventually retreating due to protestor activity, and then immediately thereafter witnessing protestors climbing onto scaffolding."

An investigation into Gloss's conduct was opened in August 2021, his security clearance was suspended on March 30, 2022 and then ultimately revoked on May 3, 2023.

Allen is accused of voicing support for the Capitol riot, promoting conspiracy theories about the violence that occurred that day, and hindering investigative efforts.

"Mr. Allen expressed sympathy for persons or organizations that advocate, threaten, or use force or violence, or use any other illegal or unconstitutional means, in an effort to prevent federal government personnel from performing their official duties," the letter says.

An investigation found that Allen also "espoused alternative theories to coworkers verbally and in emails and instant messages sent on the FBI systems, in apparent attempts to hinder investigative activity," the letter states.

An investigation into Allen's conduct was opened in October 2021, his security clearance was suspended on January 19, 2022 and then ultimately revoked on May 3, 2023.

Friend is accused of refusing to participate in a SWAT raid at the home of a suspected protester involved in the riot.

"Mr. Friend refused to participate in the execution of a court authorized, search and arrest of a criminal subject," the letter says. "During his communications with his management about his refusal to participate, he espoused an alternative narrative about the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021."

Friend also allegedly downloaded documents from FBI computer systems to an unauthorized removable flash drive.

"The FBI then required Mr. Friend to attend a Security Awareness Briefing regarding his actions, but he refused to do so," the letter states, adding that Friend also "acknowledged he publicly released sensitive FBI information on his personal social media accounts without authorization."

An investigation into Friend's conduct was opened in September 2022, his security clearance was suspended on Sept. 16, 2022 and then ultimately revoked on May 16, 2023.

News of the security clearance adjudications came Wednesday, a day before Allen and Friend testified along with other "whistleblowers" in front of the House Judiciary Committee about alleged abuses by the bureau, according to The Washington Post.

"The agents claimed they were retaliated against for their actions, in part, related to the FBI's investigation of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol," The Post reported. "During the hearing, the agents — some of whom described great personal sacrifice to pursue jobs in the bureau — argued that the FBI sought to purge the bureau of critical thinkers who challenged conventional wisdom."

The Post added that "Democrats on the subcommittee argued during the hearing that the agents did not fit the definition of whistleblower and argued their actions have been politically motivated."

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images