A group of FBI whistleblowers who claim they faced retaliation for exposing misconduct within the bureau are now urging new FBI Director Kash Patel to reopen their cases. The agents, who say they were punished under President Joe Biden’s administration, are seeking accountability for what they describe as unjust suspensions and mistreatment.
In early March, Empower Oversight, an organization advocating for government accountability, sent a letter to Samuel Ramer, the FBI’s general counsel, requesting assistance regarding the alleged improper treatment of whistleblowers. The letter specifically references FBI agents and employees Garret O’Boyle, Marcus Allen, Stephen Friend, Zach Schofftsall, Monica Shillingburg, and Michael Zummer, as reported by Just The News.
Additionally, four other whistleblowers were mentioned in the letter, though their names were redacted. One of them reportedly has information about their time working under Peter Strzok, the former FBI official known for his involvement in the Trump-Russia investigation.
Allegations of Retaliation Against Whistleblowers
One of the most high-profile cases in the letter involves Marcus Allen, a staff operations specialist, whose security clearance was suspended for allegedly questioning whether FBI Director Christopher Wray had provided truthful testimony to Congress. Allen was also accused of holding political beliefs that did not align with the bureau’s leadership and raising concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
As a result, Allen, who was stationed at the FBI’s Charlotte Division, was suspended indefinitely without pay. Although the FBI ultimately reached a settlement with Allen, Empower Oversight argues that the bureau has not fully upheld its obligations under the agreement.
The organization claims that the FBI has failed to correct Allen’s W-2 tax forms and has yet to pay him the correct amount of leave owed to him.
“While I feel vindicated now in getting back my security clearance, it is sad that in the country I fought for as a Marine, the FBI was allowed to lie about my loyalty to the U.S. for two years,” Allen stated.
“Unless there is accountability, it will keep happening to others. Better oversight and changes to security clearance laws are key to stopping abuses suffered by whistleblowers like me.”
Calls for a Fresh Review of FBI Whistleblower Cases
Empower Oversight is now calling on Director Kash Patel to conduct a fresh review of these cases, arguing that many FBI employees faced retaliation simply for their political beliefs or for exposing corruption.
Jason Foster, founder and chairman of Empower Oversight, emphasized this point in his letter to the FBI.
“The actions taken against our clients were in reprisal for protected whistleblowing and/or improper targeting because of their political beliefs,” Foster wrote.
One of the most concerning aspects of these cases, according to Foster, is the FBI’s ability to suspend an agent’s security clearance indefinitely—a tactic that effectively financially cripples whistleblowers and forces them out of the bureau.
“The common theme among most of our clients who had their security clearances suspended or revoked is the FBI’s ability to indefinitely delay the process and financially pressure employees by suspending their pay and blocking their ability to earn a living elsewhere,” he said.
“Most facing that dilemma simply resign, with no prospect of a fair process to challenge it. This allows the pattern to repeat without remedy.”
Proposal for Mediation and Resolution
Attorneys representing the whistleblowers have also proposed an alternative path to resolving these cases. If the internal review conducted by the FBI does not result in corrective action, they are suggesting mediation with a neutral third party.
The legal team is requesting that the FBI designate a senior official—one with no personal bias against the whistleblowers—to oversee potential settlements.
“If the review by your office alone does not lead to direct managerial action to remedy the harms and resolve our clients’ pending matters, we would be willing to propose mediation facilitated by a neutral mediator,” the attorneys wrote.
Public Scrutiny and Whistleblower Protections
Empower Oversight has also hinted that public scrutiny may be necessary to push the FBI toward a fair resolution. While many whistleblowers choose to keep their cases private, the organization believes public exposure may force the government to take action.
“A lot of our work has to remain confidential because some clients do not wish to become public figures,” Foster said in an interview with Just The News.
“Sometimes though, it takes public scrutiny to move the needle.”
He stressed that despite repeated promises to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, the FBI has failed to uphold these commitments.
“These FBI clients have waited a very long time on a system that, as of today, is still failing to keep its promises to protect whistleblowers from retaliation,” Foster added.
“It’s past time to make good on those promises and give them real meaning in these cases.”
The Fight for Accountability
The whistleblower cases outlined in the letter highlight a broader issue within the FBI—the alleged targeting of employees who challenge internal policies or expose misconduct.
With Director Kash Patel now at the helm, Empower Oversight and its clients hope that a new era of accountability will begin within the bureau. However, whether the FBI leadership will take meaningful steps to address these whistleblower complaints remains to be seen.
As public pressure continues to mount, the whistleblowers and their legal representatives are determined to fight for justice, ensuring that no future FBI employee is forced to suffer the same fate.