
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.
🚨Yesterday, there was an unprecedented hack of sensitive FBI information that compromises the Bureau’s ability to do its job and keep Americans safe. We must confirm @Kash_Patel and begin the much needed reform of the Bureau. My letter to the FBI below. pic.twitter.com/9VyvqkOnwS
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) January 17, 2025
💥GOP Senator Sounds Alarm💥
FBI Hit with 'Unprecedented Hack' Your Data at Risk?"Attention all!
A GOP Senator has just blown the whistle on what could be one of the largest breaches in FBI history. Sensitive files, possibly including your personal information, might be… pic.twitter.com/LwepIruBMk— ProperlyRebel (@ProperlyRebel) January 18, 2025
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.
FBI agents’ calls and texts exposed in AT&T hack sparking espionage fears as ‘sensitive’ info and informants are leaked #FBI #AT&Thttps://t.co/Isb4vDBM3I
— Pauline Bieniek (@BieniekPauline) January 18, 2025
I wonder if any sensitive files that could be used to hold FBI personnel accountable for partisan or illegal practices disappeared during this apparent hack. https://t.co/VtewWfOqJZ
— Fingers Mcknee (@FingersMcknee) January 18, 2025
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.
@FBI not hard to hack yourself with all the passwords
— Crocker🔰 (@DJcrocker) January 17, 2025
The FBI can hack your home computer "lawfully".
This is a start.
Where does it end?
Are you okay with Elon snooping around your laptop if Kush okays it?https://t.co/VyxzL5xpxB
— Roy.G.Biv (@Roy_G_Biv_3rd) January 17, 2025
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.