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Ex-FBI Agent Warns Patel’s Leadership Is Diverting Bureau From Terror Threats

In a New York Times op-ed, Jacqueline Maguire argues recent purges have reduced the bureau’s focus on Iran-linked threats.

Overview

  • Jacqueline Maguire, who served from 2000 to 2025, says she was pushed out along with dozens of experienced colleagues, including Iran specialists, in a leadership shake-up.
  • She writes that Kash Patel is distracted by politically driven grudges and urges a return to core counterterrorism, cyber defense, and counterintelligence work.
  • Reporting cites firings from the FBI’s CI-12 unit focused on Iranian threats, with former agents describing demoralization and a chilling effect inside the bureau.
  • Kash Patel previously announced FBI counterterrorism and intelligence teams were on high alert at the start of Operation Epic Fury, and DHS warned of potential lone-actor violence.
  • Recent U.S. incidents under terrorism review include the Austin bar shooting the FBI deemed potentially terrorism, alleged bomb attempts in Manhattan, a truck attack at a Michigan synagogue, and a fatal shooting at Old Dominion University.