The FBI has recently taken decisive actions, including terminating employees and disbanding the CR-15 squad, following revelations of tracking GOP lawmakers’ private communications. This move comes in the wake of reports regarding former special counsel Jack Smith’s alleged surveillance activities related to the Capitol riots investigation on January 6, 2021.
FBI’s Response to Monitoring Allegations
On Tuesday, FBI Director Kash Patel announced these significant changes within the agency. He emphasized the need for reform, stating, “We are cleaning up a diseased temple three decades in the making.” Patel asserted that the bureau is working to identify and remove individuals who have misused law enforcement for political gain.
Details on the Disbanded CR-15 Squad
The CR-15 squad was a public corruption unit based in the FBI’s Washington Field Office. This unit played a role in Smith’s investigation into former President Donald Trump. Following the exposure of these surveillance activities, Patel declared the squad’s dissolution and highlighted the importance of accountability within the agency.
- FBI terminated multiple employees.
- CR-15 squad was dismantled due to allegations of weaponized law enforcement.
- Transparency and accountability promised as part of the reform efforts.
Allegations Against Jack Smith
Reports surfaced indicating that Jack Smith’s team tracked the phone calls and private communications of nearly a dozen Republican senators during the investigation surrounding the Capitol riots. Senators implicated in these allegations include:
- Lindsey Graham (SC)
- Marsha Blackburn (TN)
- Ron Johnson (WI)
- Josh Hawley (MO)
- Cynthia Lummis (WY)
- Bill Hagerty (TN)
- Dan Sullivan (AK)
- Tommy Tuberville (AL)
- Mike Kelly (PA)
The investigation, referred to as “Arctic Frost,” involved comprehensive monitoring, including toll analyses on the lawmakers’ communications. A source revealed that this analysis enabled Smith’s team to access detailed information about calls, including the originating and receiving locations of the phone numbers tracked.
Political Reactions to the Revelations
President Trump criticized Smith’s actions, labeling him as “deranged” in a post on Truth Social, while calling for accountability regarding the surveillance allegations. Critics, including Senator Josh Hawley, described the investigative methods as an “abuse of power beyond Watergate,” further escalating the political tensions surrounding this issue.
As the FBI initiates reforms and investigations aimed at restoring its integrity, additional accountability measures are expected to follow. The agency’s commitment to transparency has been reiterated by both Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
