Photo: Alamy
The FBI has fired at least five intelligence analysts connected to a withdrawn 2023 internal memo examining links between violent extremists and some Catholic movements, according to multiple sources.
The firings, first reported by MS Now and later confirmed by CBS News, stemmed from ongoing fallout over the so-called “Richmond Memo,” an intelligence resource created by the FBI’s Richmond field office.
The memo explored potential connections between ethnically motivated violent extremists and what it described as “Radical Traditionalist Catholic” ideology. After the document became public, it sparked backlash from conservatives who argued it reflected government bias against Christians with conservative beliefs.
An earlier internal FBI review conducted during the tenure of former FBI Director Chris Wray found no evidence that the analysts acted with malicious intent. However, investigators concluded the memo failed to meet bureau standards and reflected errors in professional judgment.
As a result, the bureau withdrew the memo, implemented changes to intelligence review procedures, and formally admonished employees involved in its creation.
A separate investigation by the Justice Department inspector general similarly found no evidence that FBI personnel had been directed to target Catholics or establish connections between religious beliefs and violent extremism. Investigators also reported finding no discriminatory or inappropriate remarks by the analysts involved.
Earlier this year, the document was highlighted in a report issued by the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, a body created through one of Trump’s executive orders. The report alleged the FBI “investigated, monitored, tracked and scrutinized traditional Catholics who had engaged in no criminal misconduct.”
The report also criticized the FBI Richmond office for relying in part on research from the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit organization known for tracking extremist groups.
The SPLC is separately facing criminal charges brought by the Justice Department, alleging the group misled donors and banks while paying informants to infiltrate hate organizations. The group has denied wrongdoing and argued the prosecution is politically motivated.
The Justice Department has also removed several prosecutors connected to FACE Act cases involving defendants accused of obstructing access to abortion clinics.