In response to charges that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was retaliating against him for his testimony on the Jan. 6 riots, an FBI whistleblower had his security clearance restored, according to a letter from the agency that was made public by the whistleblower organization Empower Oversight on Tuesday.
Marcus Allen, the FBI agent, had his security clearance revoked in 2022 after he challenged Christopher Wray, the FBI’s director, about the law enforcement presence during the Capitol protests on January 6.
The FBI restored Allen’s security clearance on May 31 and paid him back for the years he was on unpaid leave in response to legal threats from Empower Oversight, which stated that the FBI had retaliated against Allen and falsely accused him of being unfaithful to the United States, according to an FBI letter.
In May 2023, he testified alongside a group of other whistleblowers that he had been denied accusations of having “conspiratorial views” about the riots on January 6 and that he had been blocked in his attempts to cooperate with the FBI on clarifications and investigations.
Allen was represented by Empower Oversight and the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) against the FBI. Concerning the FBI’s efforts against Allen, Empower Oversight filed complaints with the DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in April 2023 and January 2024.
According to a press release from Empower Oversight, Allen’s security clearance was reinstated prior to the OIG’s report being made public.
“It’s been a difficult couple of years, and I am truly grateful for my friends and family who helped us through this. While I feel vindicated now in getting back my security clearance, it is sad that in the country I fought for as a Marine, the FBI was allowed to lie about my loyalty to the U.S. for two years,” Allen said in a statement. “Unless there is accountability, it will keep happening to others. Better oversight and changes to security clearance laws are key to stop abuses suffered by whistleblowers like me.”
Tristan Leavitt, president of Empower Oversight, said the FBI “completely backed down.”
“It’s clear from the evidence and the FBI’s capitulation there was absolutely no truth to their accusations. We couldn’t be happier for Marcus and his family,” Leavitt stated. “They have seen the worst side of our federal government and have come out on the other side. It’s a testament to Marcus, his belief that right would eventually prevail, and the unwavering support of his family and friends.”
