Schmitt Demands FBI Reform After Cyberattack Exposes Agent Communications

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is calling for immediate reforms within the FBI following a major security breach that compromised sensitive communications between FBI agents and their confidential informants. The hack is believed to have stemmed from a previous attack on AT&T’s public safety network.

In a formal letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Schmitt voiced serious concerns over the bureau’s failure to safeguard critical information. He warned that the exposure could damage trust between the FBI and its informants, potentially hindering ongoing and future investigations.

Schmitt also criticized the Biden administration for its weak cybersecurity policies, arguing that national security has been neglected. He pointed to past actions by the FBI, including the raid on President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, as examples of the agency’s focus on political operations over security.

Highlighting the need for stronger leadership, Schmitt called on the Senate to expedite the confirmation of Kash Patel. Patel has pledged to eliminate corruption and improve accountability within federal agencies, which Schmitt believes is vital in preventing future breaches.

The FBI admitted to the cybersecurity incident and stated that efforts are underway to mitigate the risk to informants. The agency is conducting an internal review to determine the cause of the breach and implement more robust security protocols.

AT&T, whose compromised systems enabled the hack, is assisting federal authorities in addressing the fallout. The company previously suffered a massive data breach in 2022, which exposed millions of user records and highlighted ongoing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in government-related networks.