FBIAA Press Conference on Temporary Restraining Order
FBIAA President Natalie Bara and attorney Chris Mattei held a virtual press conference to discuss the legal action FBIAA took to prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from publicly releasing the names of FBI Special Agents and employees involved in cases related to the January 6 investigations.
Remarks by FBIAA President Natalie Bara:
Good evening. I’m Natalie Bara, President of the FBI Agents Association, which represents more than 14,000 active and retired Special Agents. We are here today because what is happening is dangerous—dangerous for Agents and dangerous for national security.
This morning, the FBIAA took the extraordinary step of filing a Temporary Restraining Order to stop the Department of Justice from releasing the names of FBI Agents who investigated the criminal events of January 6th. We do not take this action lightly. But the stakes could not be higher.
Every day, Agents combat violent crime, cyber threats, terrorism, and corruption. FBI Agents do not choose the cases they investigate; they are assigned to cases by their superiors. They follow the evidence, enforce the law, and do their jobs with integrity. They know that their service is not about politics but about justice, truth, and the rule of law.
But now, because of a reckless decision, their names could be made public—putting them and their families in immediate danger. This is not about politics. This is about protecting those who protect us.
Let me give you just one example of what this means in real terms. One of our Agents recently spent hours recovering body parts from the Potomac River, working through the gruesome reality of the recent tragic plane crash. This Agent had to return to the office—not to debrief, not to work on cases, but to fill out a mandatory survey on any involvement in investigations related to January 6th.
This is the reality for our Agents today—they are being scrutinized, placed on lists, and facing the possibility of losing their jobs. And now, the Justice Department’s actions could put a target on their backs.
The release of Agents’ names is more than just a bureaucratic decision—it is a decision that could endanger those who serve. Already, we are seeing the consequences unfold. Social media posts are circulating that are calling for violence against FBI personnel. This rhetoric is not just irresponsible—it is dangerous.
The threat of retaliation, the threat of public exposure, and the threat of losing your job creates a chilling effect. And it’s not just affecting us—which is why we are grateful for the support of the broader law enforcement community through the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
Law enforcement cannot function when every decision comes with the threat of personal and professional consequences. If FBI Agents have to factor in political fallout before doing their jobs or fear retaliation for carrying out their duties, it undermines the very foundation of our justice system. That is an unacceptable risk.
The action we have taken today is about protecting those who protect us and enabling them to continue to protect us without fear of retribution. Thank you.
