Zach Schoffstall, a former senior FBI agent, claims his career ended after resisting pressure to target a conservative protest group. Schoffstall, who served in the Salt Lake City Division, reported that the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) pushed for federal action against members of Patriot Front after their June 2022 arrests in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He refused to execute a search warrant against the group, questioning its legal basis, which ultimately led to his dismissal in 2024.
The Patriot Front members were arrested for conspiracy to riot after being found with shields and poles near a “Pride in the Park” event. The event drew controversy for featuring the Idaho Satanic Temple and drag performances marketed as “family-friendly.” Local Christian pastors were reportedly removed from the event for alleged trespassing, further inflaming tensions. While the group is known for protesting left-wing movements, Schoffstall maintained that they avoided violence and even expelled members for suggesting it.
Schoffstall alleged that the pressure to pursue the warrant came from U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, who was appointed by President Biden. According to Schoffstall, Hurwit appeared more focused on aligning with the Biden administration’s agenda, including combating “hate crimes,” rather than prosecuting actual crimes. Schoffstall’s refusal to comply led to his reassignment to West Virginia and, eventually, his termination despite positive performance reviews.
The investigation was transferred to an LGBTQ-affiliated FBI supervisor in Boise. Schoffstall noted potential conflicts of interest, including a Coeur d’Alene USAO official who had a child undergoing gender transition during the Pride event. Schoffstall suggested personal and political agendas influenced the pursuit of charges against Patriot Front members.
In addition, Schoffstall criticized the DOJ’s preference for hosting hate crime seminars over prosecuting actual offenses. He brought two potential hate crime cases to the Idaho U.S. Attorney’s Office—both involving racially motivated assaults—but both were declined. Instead, Hurwit expressed interest in organizing conferences under the DOJ’s “United Against Hate” initiative, which focuses on public outreach rather than enforcement.
The Patriot Front case ultimately led to minimal charges. The group’s leader was released, and others received minor penalties, such as short jail terms and modest fines. Schoffstall argued that federal authorities sought to make a public display of combating extremism rather than pursuing justifiable prosecutions.
Schoffstall’s experience highlights growing concerns about politicization within federal law enforcement under the current administration, particularly regarding priorities in prosecuting domestic extremism and hate crimes.
