Department of Justice Criticizes FBI Memo Targeting Catholic Ideology

A new report from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Weaponization Working Group has characterized a 2023 FBI Richmond Field Office memo as a "grave failure." The internal document had previously sparked significant controversy by labeling "radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology" as a potential national security threat. The report highlights that the memo relied on information from the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization known for classifying groups that oppose same-sex marriage as hate groups.

While the FBI previously claimed the document was removed from its systems shortly after the controversy emerged, the new report indicates that the Richmond office continued working on the memo even after receiving orders to retract it. Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the individuals responsible for the document are no longer employed by the Department of Justice. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the importance of transparency regarding these past actions, stating that the agency is committed to ensuring such abuses do not recur and that it remains dedicated to protecting the First Amendment rights of all citizens.