Former FBI Agent Claims Refusal To Target Protesters Led To Dismissal
An FBI agent has spoken out after losing his career over a disagreement with the Biden administration’s focus on “domestic extremism.” Zach Schoffstall, who worked as a senior agent in Salt Lake City, said his refusal to carry out certain unscrupulous orders from the DOJ ultimately led to his dismissal.
The conflict stemmed from the 2022 arrests of Patriot Front members accused of conspiracy to riot at a Pride event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The event sparked controversy due to its inclusion of drag performers and a local Satanic Temple chapter, while Christian pastors were removed for allegedly trespassing. Schoffstall claimed that Patriot Front members avoided violence, suspending anyone who even suggested it.
Schoffstall refused to execute a search warrant against the group, citing insufficient evidence to justify federal charges. “I had been told I brought embarrassment to the bureau,” Schoffstall told the Daily Caller. After his refusal, the case was reassigned to another FBI official, and Schoffstall was transferred to a different role before being dismissed in 2024.
He alleged that political motivations played a significant role in how the case was handled. Schoffstall pointed to U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit’s ties to the Biden administration, including his attendance at LGBTQ-related events and his stated focus on combating hate crimes.
Schoffstall also claimed Hurwit ignored legitimate hate crime cases involving racial assaults, choosing instead to host events under the DOJ’s “United Against Hate” program. He criticized this approach as prioritizing appearances over meaningful enforcement.
In the end, the Patriot Front case resulted in minor penalties for most defendants, raising questions about the DOJ’s priorities. “They wanted to make the appearance they were leaning heavily into this,” Schoffstall said.
His story adds to growing criticism of politicization in federal agencies under the Biden administration.
