James Dennehy, the head of the FBI’s New York field office, has been forced to retire amid internal tensions over investigations into the 2021 January 6 U.S. Capitol protest.
According to sources close to the situation, Dennehy, who joined the FBI in 2002 after six years in the Marine Corps, was directed to retire without explanation.
His departure comes as the Justice Department requested a list of agents involved in investigations surrounding January 6, which Dennehy reportedly resisted.
Some have viewed the Justice Department’s request for a list of agents involved in January 6 cases as politically motivated.
“The FBI’s independence from political pressures is paramount,” Dennehy said in his farewell message, according to colleagues who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Dennehy’s retirement coincides with significant leadership changes at the FBI, including the recent appointments of Kash Patel as FBI Director and Dan Bongino as Deputy Director.
The FBI declined to comment on Dennehy’s retirement, citing a policy of not discussing personnel matters. However, colleagues described Dennehy as a highly regarded leader who defended the Bureau’s integrity.
Dennehy’s forced retirement has sparked concerns about the FBI’s ability to maintain its independence from political interference.
As the FBI navigates these challenges, the impact of the recent leadership changes on the Bureau’s operations and public perception remains to be seen.