Story perspectives

FBI Fires 20 Agents for Kneeling at Protests

9/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fired about 20 agents for kneeling at a 2020 George Floyd protest.
The FBI Agents Association confirmed the firings and called the decision unlawful, seeking an investigation.
The kneeling was described as a de-escalation tactic during protests against police violence.
Critics including Ben Crump condemned the firings on social media; the FBI has not commented.

History

Historical Context

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 aimed to eliminate discrimination and reshape law enforcement practices in the U.S. Under J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI faced scrutiny for its surveillance of civil rights activists, with over 1,000 agents involved. The recent firing of 20 agents for kneeling during a George Floyd protest reflects ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities advocating for justice, highlighting persistent civil rights struggles.

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Story summary

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fired about 20 agents for kneeling at a 2020 George Floyd protest.
The FBI Agents Association confirmed the firings and called the decision unlawful, seeking an investigation.
The kneeling was described as a de-escalation tactic during protests against police violence.
Critics including Ben Crump condemned the firings on social media; the FBI has not commented.

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