The House Judiciary Committee has revealed evidence indicating collaboration between multiple FBI field offices in an investigation into traditionalist Catholics. The investigation stemmed from a leaked memo from the FBI’s Richmond, Virginia, field office earlier this year, which suggested that radical traditionalist Catholics may be associated with a far-right white nationalist movement. Several U.S. bishops, attorneys general, and elected officials expressed concern and called for an inquiry into the matter. In response, the GOP-controlled House Judiciary Committee launched an investigation into the FBI’s actions in Richmond.
In a recent press release, the Judiciary Committee disclosed that information obtained indicated the involvement of FBI officials from the Portland and Los Angeles field offices in the investigation. This suggests that the investigation into traditionalist Catholics was more extensive than initially suspected. The committee also highlighted inconsistencies in FBI Director Chris Wray’s earlier testimony before Congress, in which he claimed that the Catholic memo was the product of a single field office.
In light of this new information, Rep. Jim Jordan, the chairman of the committee, issued a fresh round of subpoenas, demanding communications between the Richmond, Portland, and Los Angeles field offices, as well as any intelligence products related to the collaborations. Jordan gave Wray until August 23 to respond to these demands. The FBI had already provided the committee with a new set of subpoenaed documents at the end of July.
This latest development adds another layer to the ongoing investigation into the FBI’s actions regarding traditionalist Catholics. Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Jordan, are determined to uncover the extent of the collaboration between different field offices and address any potential inconsistencies in the FBI’s handling of the matter. Moving forward, the House Judiciary Committee will continue to analyze the evidence and statements in order to shed light on the investigation into traditionalist Catholics and ensure transparency and accountability within the FBI.
