FBI Fires Analysts Over Controversial Memo on Catholic Ideology

FBI Director Kash Patel terminated a group of intelligence analysts on June 5, 2026, following the rescission of a 2023 memo regarding 'radical traditionalist Catholic ideology.' Sources familiar with the situation indicated that at least five analysts from the FBI’s Richmond office were dismissed. The memo claimed that some white supremacists were attempting to recruit from a small subset of radical traditionalist Catholics and suggested that Catholic congregations could be used for intelligence gathering. This memo originated from an investigation into a violent extremist in Virginia who had joined a Catholic sect not recognized by the Vatican. After the memo became public, former FBI Director Christopher Wray ordered its withdrawal and apologized in Congressional hearings, stating it did not meet the FBI's standards. Former Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed his disapproval of the memo but rejected claims of discrimination against Catholics. A 2024 review by the Justice Department’s inspector general found no anti-Catholic bias but noted significant analytical issues with the memo. Some information in the memo was sourced from the Southern Poverty Law Center. The FBI has not commented on the firings. House Republicans previously released a report criticizing the memo, titled 'The FBI’s breach of religious freedom: The weaponization of law enforcement against Catholic Americans.'