In a letter to Christopher Wray, the FBI Director, Republican Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan revealed that the FBI utilized an undercover employee to reveal their leaked report on domestic extremists among Catholic Americans.
According to CBS News, the House Judiciary Committee delivered a subpoena to Wray on Monday, seeking data connected to its inquiry into the FBI’s “domestic violent extremism probes against Catholic Americans.” The probe was launched in response to the Jan. 23 release of the FBI Richmond Field Office letter alleging that Roman Catholic organizations that prefer the Latin mass are vulnerable to “anti-Semitic, anti-LGBTQ, anti-immigrant, and white supremacist ideology.”
Jordan stated that further information and papers were requested on February 16 and March 20. The FBI issued a “substandard and partial” 18-page answer on March 23, revealing that the FBI relied on “at least one undercover officer” while creating the Jan. 23 paper.
“Based on the limited information provided to the Committee, we are now aware that the FBI used at least one undercover person to come up with its analysis, as well as that the FBI suggested that its agents participate in communication to Catholic parishes to establish sources within the clergy and church leadership for information on Americans engaging in their faith,” according to the letter.
According to the letter, the FBI wanted “to sensitize the church members to the early indications of radicalization as well as enlist their assistance in acting as suspicious activity tripwires.”
The Committee’s demand for “all FBI information responsive” to its request, with no redactions, was bolstered by this revelation, according to the letter.
Wray’s claimed “disregard” for the Committee’s voluntary inquiries prompted the subpoena.
The FBI acknowledged to the Daily Caller News Foundation that the subpoena was received and that it is trying to respond to the data demands.
The FBI said in a statement, “The FBI recognizes the significance of oversight by Congress and stands fully dedicated to cooperating with Congress’s oversight demands consistent with both its constitutional and statutory responsibilities. The FBI has been working diligently to respond to congressional information requests, including voluntary document production.”
Wray informed the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on March 8 that the FBI took measures to remove the material from its systems, noting that the Bureau “will never target individuals for religious views” and doesn’t “monitor anyone’s religious practices.”
During a March 1 hearing, Attorney General Merrick Garland labeled the letter “appalling” and told Republican Missouri Senator Josh Hawley that the FBI ” doesn’t do inquiries based on religion.”
He also indicated that he wasn’t certain that “any informants aimed at Catholic churches” existed.
