FBI agents who 'simply followed orders' on Jan. 6 cases won't lose jobs: DOJ memo

FBI agents who "simply followed orders" and performed in their jobs without partiality are not in danger of losing their positions, according to a Department of Justice memo the Associated Press obtained.

The memo, authored by acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, suggested that the agency was faced with a large-scale review of its workforce and conduct by the DOJ.

That move comes as the DOJ compiled data on the FBI employees who participated in the Jan. 6 cases, prompting concerns of a political purge and a lawsuit from agents.

The DOJ secured the data anyway and FBI Director-designate Kash Patel is expected to remove much of the bureau's senior leadership should he secure Senate confirmation.

President Donald Trump issued a mass pardon for many Jan. 6 defendants and commuted the sentences of several convicted offenders, insisting that the cases had been politicized.