FBI Restores Security Clearance to Agent Who Questioned Official January 6 Account

In a significant development, the FBI has reinstated the security clearance of Marcus Allen, a former agent who alleged retaliation for passing along information that questioned the official narrative of the January 6 Capitol breach. Allen, who previously lost access to "Top Secret" materials, received notification of the decision in a letter dated May 31.

"My decision to reinstate your security clearance is based upon a determination that the original security concerns have been investigated and have been sufficiently mitigated," a human resources official wrote to Allen.

Allen, a staff operations specialist at the FBI's Charlotte, North Carolina, field office, was suspended in February 2022. He testified before Congress last year, claiming that the bureau retaliated against him for whistleblowing. Allen, represented by Empower Oversight, fought for his reinstatement and secured a settlement that restored 27 months of back pay and benefits. Despite this victory, Allen resigned from the FBI effective Monday.

“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. He emphasized the need for accountability to prevent similar abuses, calling for better oversight and changes to security clearance laws.

Allen, alongside fellow whistleblowers Garret O’Boyle and Steve Friend, testified before a House panel last May. All three had their security clearances revoked shortly before the hearing. Allen revealed that he had shared information with superiors that questioned the January 6 narrative, including news articles suggesting FBI Director Christopher Wray may have been untruthful about the bureau's involvement in the Capitol riot.

In response to inquiries from The Daily Wire, the FBI issued a statement: "While we can’t comment on the specifics of any settlement, both parties agreed to resolve this matter without either admitting wrongdoing. Any allegation that the Director lied to Congress is false. The FBI takes seriously its responsibility to FBI employees who make protected disclosures under whistleblower regulations, and we are committed to ensuring they are protected from retaliation."

The Department of Justice's inspector general recently highlighted a lack of processes within the FBI for employees, like Allen, whose security clearances have been suspended for over a year to file retaliation complaints, offering recommendations for improvement.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) praised the FBI’s decision, calling it a “total vindication for a great patriot.” Jordan also urged the FBI to reinstate the security clearances of fellow whistleblowers Garret O’Boyle and Stephen Friend.

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