In April 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reassigned several agents who had been photographed kneeling alongside protesters during the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Washington, D.C, according to reports. The reassignments, perceived by many within the bureau as demotions, affected agents who previously held senior positions in counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and cybercrime divisions. No official reasons were provided for these transfers.​

The kneeling incident occurred during widespread protests following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. At the time, some FBI agents knelt in an apparent attempt to de-escalate tensions with demonstrators. While some within the bureau viewed the gesture as a necessary peacekeeping measure, others criticized it as a political statement.​ 

An internal review conducted shortly after the incident found no violations of FBI policy, and no disciplinary actions were taken at that time. However, the recent reassignments have reignited debates about the bureau's internal culture and its response to political pressures.​

These personnel changes are part of a broader restructuring under FBI Director Kash Patel. The administration has emphasized efforts to remove individuals perceived as not aligning with its agenda, leading to concerns about the politicization of federal agencies.​

The FBI has declined to comment on specific personnel matters.