U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D.C. 20535 January 26, 2018 MR. BENJAMIN WITTES THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTION 1775 MASSACHUSETTES AVENUE, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20036 Civil Action No.: 17-CV-01883 FOIPA Request No.: 1378563-0 Subject: All Records of Communications from FBI Addressing the Firing of Director James Comey Dear Mr. Wittes: The enclosed documents were reviewed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Title 5, United States Code, Section 552. Deletions have been made to protect information which is exempt from disclosure, with the appropriate exemptions noted on the page next to the excision. In addition, a deleted page information sheet was inserted in the file to indicate where pages were withheld entirely. The exemptions used to withhold information are marked below and explained on the enclosed Explanation of Exemptions: Section 552 Section 552a (d)(5) (b)(1) (b)(7)(A) (b)(2) (b)(7)(B) (j)(2) (b)(3) (b)(7)(C) (k)(1) (b)(7)(D) (k)(2) (b)(7)(E) (k)(3) (b)(7)(F) (k)(4) (b)(4) (b)(8) (k)(5) (b)(5) (b)(9) (k)(6) (b)(6) (k)(7) 116 page(s) were reviewed and 103 page(s) are being released. Document(s) were located which originated with, or contained information concerning, other Government Agency (ies) [OGA]. This information has been referred to the OGA(s) for review and direct response to you. We are consulting with another agency. The FBI will correspond with you regarding this information when the consultation is completed. In accordance with standard FBI practice and pursuant to FOIA exemption (b)(7)(E) and Privacy Act exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. § 552/552a (b)(7)(E)/(j)(2)], this response neither confirms nor denies the existence of your subject's name on any watch lists. For your information, Congress excluded three discrete categories of law enforcement and national security records from the requirements of the FOIA. See 5 U.S. C. § 552(c) (2006 & Supp. IV (2010). This response is limited to those records that are subject to the requirements of the FOIA. This is a standard notification that is given to all our requesters and should not be taken as an indication that excluded records do, or do not, exist. Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Explanation of Exemptions. Although your request is in litigation, we are required by law to provide you the following information: You may file an appeal by writing to the Director, Office of Information Policy (OIP), United States Department of Justice, Suite 11050, 1425 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20530-0001, or you may submit an appeal through OIP's FOIA online portal by creating an account on the following web site: https://foiaonline.regulations.gov/foia/action/public/home. Your appeal must be postmarked or electronically transmitted within ninety (90) days from the date of this letter in order to be considered timely. If you submit your appeal by mail, both the letter and the envelope should be clearly marked “Freedom of Information Act Appeal.” Please cite the FOIPA Request Number assigned to your request so that it may be easily identified. You may seek dispute resolution services by contacting the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at 877-684-6448, or by emailing ogis@nara.gov. Alternatively, you may contact the FBI’s FOIA Public Liaison by emailing foipaquestions@fbi.gov. If you submit your dispute resolution correspondence by email, the subject heading should clearly state “Dispute Resolution Services.” Please also cite the FOIPA Request Number assigned to your request so it may be easily identified. The enclosed material is from the main investigative file(s) in which the subject(s) of your request was the focus of the investigation. Our search located additional references, in files relating to other individuals, or matters, which may or may not be about your subject(s). Our experience has shown when ident, references usually contain information similar to the information processed in the main file(s). Because of our significant backlog, we have given priority to processing only the main investigative file(s). If you want the references, you must submit a separate request for them in writing, and they will be reviewed at a later date, as time and resources permit. See additional information which follows. Sincerely, David M. Hardy Section Chief Record/Information Dissemination Section Records Management Division Enclosure(s) All documents responsive to FOIA Request Number 1378563-0 are included in this release. The documents were Bates stamped FBI 17-CV-01883 -1 through FBI 17-CV-01883 -116. This concludes the processing of this FOIA request. The portions processed for your request were those documents which contained information concerning the items in your FOIA request. Pages were not considered for processing if no information concerning your request was in the body of the page itself. To minimize costs to you and the FBI, duplicate copies of the same document were not processed. This material is being provided to you at no charge. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to adjudicate your request for a fee waiver as no fees are being assessed. EXPLANATION OF EXEMPTIONS SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552 (b)(1) (A) specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and (B) are in fact properly classified to such Executive order; (b)(2) related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency; (b)(3) specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than section 552b of this title), provided that such statute (A) requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on issue, or (B) establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld; (b)(4) trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential; (b)(5) inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency; (b)(6) personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; (b)(7) records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information ( A ) could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, ( B ) would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication, ( C ) could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, ( D ) could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of record or information compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, information furnished by a confidential source, ( E ) would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law, or ( F ) could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual; (b)(8) contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; or (b)(9) geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning wells. SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552a (d)(5) information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action proceeding; (j)(2) material reporting investigative efforts pertaining to the enforcement of criminal law including efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime or apprehend criminals; (k)(1) information which is currently and properly classified pursuant to an Executive order in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy, for example, information involving intelligence sources or methods; (k)(2) investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, other than criminal, which did not result in loss of a right, benefit or privilege under Federal programs, or which would identify a source who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence; (k)(3) material maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or any other individual pursuant to the authority of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3056; (k)(4) required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records; (k)(5) investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian employment or for access to classified information, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence; (k)(6) testing or examination material used to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in Federal Government service the release of which would compromise the testing or examination process; (k)(7) material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed services, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished the material pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence. FBI/DOJ FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FOI/PA DELETED PAGE INFORMATION SHEET FOIPA Request No.: 1378563 Civil Action No.: 17-cv-01883 Total Withheld Page(s) = 13 Bates Page Reference Reason for Withholding (i.e., exemptions with coded rationale, duplicate, sealed by order of court, etc.) FBI 17-cv-01883-10 Duplicate to FBI 17-cv-01883-5 27 Duplicate to 5 33 Duplicate to 5 39 Duplicate to 5 44 Duplicate to 5 47 Duplicate to 5 51 Duplicate to 5 63 (b)(6)/(b)(7)(c)-1 – Names and/or identifying information of FBI Special Agents/Support personnel; (b)(7)(E)-1 – Internal FBI Secure Fax Number, Email, or IP Address, Intranet/Web Address 64 Duplicate to 5 71 Duplicate to 5 76 Duplicate to 5 85 Duplicate to 5 110 Duplicate to 5 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx X X X Deleted Page(s) X No Duplication Fee X For this Page X xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx FBlgCOMMUNICATIONSsMBX FBlsCbMMUNlCATIONS-,MSX From: -Seht: Friday, May 12, 20U 4:49 PM To: FBI~AtL Subje~t : Message fron'! Act..ing Dir~ctof Andrew MeCa_be --~ UNC1ASSIFtED Class-i .£ic.a tian : UNCLASSIFIED Fulks, As we e.o!!'e.lothe end of a tOugh ';,vlll _!lefthroud1 this to'lether. e s ~ Thanh, Andrew McCabe FBI 17-CV-01883-1 FBI 17-CV-01883-2 From: Sent: To: I COX. GREGORY 0 (IR) (FBI) Thyrsday, May 11 , 201 7 11 :30 AM I Subject: Message from the AD - UNCLASS!FiED SentinelCaseld: NON-RECORD b7E 2 Cl.assificati.on : tJ'NCLASSIFIED To all, I wanted to thank all of you who were involved in efforts to bring home former Director Corney from Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. As Acting Director McCabe has stressed , following Tuesday's announcement, our mission has not changed, At times like thi s, we must remind ourselves to remain focu sed on the enduring mission for all CIRG employees to serve and protect the American people and uphold the Constitution , We have navigated transitions like these in the past and will endure this one too. As we move forward, I will keep you as up to date as possible, I want to thank all of you for your profeSSionalism, dedication to excellence. and resilience. Remember, we wi!! continue to be judged and defined by our performance. Our way forward will be characterized by strong leadership at all levels of the organization. We will remain agile and integrated in facing any threat posed to the United States and the American people. Thanks again for your efforts, Gregg ~===~======================================= = ==== == == = Classi ficat ion : ti'NCLASSIFIED 1 .... ........ _..... _ - - -- - FBI 17-CV-01883-3 From: CK...Ql.S. To: CK £.1J5 . P"'tribut'O'l G"QUP Subject: Moving FOJWard ••• UNCLASSIFIED Friday, May 12, 20174: 11: 12 PM Date: Classification: UNCLASSIFIED ellS, This has been a mo mentous week for tile FB I. I just retunled from the Compact Counc il MeeLings today, so tllis is my fi rst chance to talk to you directly about tile firing of Director Comey. I participated in the Lync call wi til new Acting Director McCabe on Tuesday night Witll SAC Jollllson of Pittsburgh Division. Tllere was a somber tone to the call, but Acting Director McCabe reminded everyone that tile FBI will continue to pcrfonu our mission as we have for tile past 109 years, " .. . to protect tile American People and upho ld tile Constitution of the United States." The next day, I addressed tile Co mpact Counc il me mbers and also reiterated our co mmitment to conLinue to provide the same quality Cll S services and support that our partJlers rely on to do tlleir jobs. We are facing uncertainty and challenge in the months ahead, but I know you can continue to make a difference for our partners by conLinuing to focus on our mission. Thanks fo r all you do, Doug Douglas E. Lindquist Assistant Director CJIS Div ision b6 1 b7C 1 Classification: UNCLASSIFIED FBI 17-CV-01883-4 To all: I have long believed that a President can fire an FBI Director for any reason, or for no reason at all. J'm not going to spend time on the decision or the way it was executed. I hope you won't either. It is done, and I will be fine, although I will miss you and the mission deeply. I have said to you before that, in times of turbulence, the American people should see the FBI as a rock of competence, honesty, and independence. What makes leaving the FB I hard is the nature and quality of its people, who together make it that rock for America. It is very hard to leave a group of people who are committed only to doing the ri ght thing . My hope is that you will continue to li ve our values and the mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution. If you do that, you too will be sad when you leave, and the American people will be safer. Working with you has been one of the great joys of my life. Thank you for that gift. Jim Comey FBI 17-CV-01883-S attachment on previ ous page From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: 5tH} r N[2QRf, I pAYm 'It , (HRD) !i'BJ) b7E 2 Jim Comey Farewell --- UNClASSIFIED Friday, May 12, 20179:29:38 AM ]SC Farewell pdf Classification : UNCLASSIFIED ====================================================== HRD Team, I wanted to share the beiovv farewell ietter rrorn Director Corney "v.... !("h you all. You wiil nol be surprised by the eloquence and grace of Director Corney, or by the genuineness of his message. He will be missed. In homage to Director Corney our pian I!> 1'{) ensure we carry out his viSion of getting the FBI fuliy staffed, increasing the diversity of our workforce ~~nd leade rship team, turning the FBI into a worid-class leadership factory, and truly taking care of all members of the FBi family . If we do all of those things as Director Corney intended, then I know he would be proud of us. As you know, no one f;ver leaves the FBI family, and that will be very true of Dirf;ctor Comey. Dave ====================================================== Classification : UNCLASSIFIED FBI 17-CV-01883-6 b7E 2 From: To: Subject: Date: A f{essage n _ NL siFtEb Thursday, May 11, 2017 3:S2:S3 PM Classifica t ion : UNCLASSI FIED ====================================================== The past two days have been a whirlwind of shock at the suddenness of the departure of Director Comey and concern with what the future will hold. While we do not have all of the answers at the moment, one truth remains - We will continue to do our jobs every day, to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to protect the American people. Please be mindful of what information you share, especially in writing and on social media. Your actions should be reflective of our great organization and uphold the professionalism that is a hallmark of the FBI. I am sure our foreign partners will have questions, especially for our Legat personnel. Please do not offer speculation. Rather, reassure our partners that we will advise appropriately when we are able. Now is the time for strong, stable, and consistent leadership. We are in good hands with Acting Director Andrew McCabe. I know each of you will continue to do your job at the highest level . Thank you . Carlos ====================================================== Classifica t ion : UNCLASSI FIE D FBI 17-CV-01883-7 From: To: Subject: Date: ::"0 Alj'-: R I~ f: ')) mm essagerom : ttornev General L ions Wednesday, November 29, 2017 1:58:00 PM b6 1 b7C 1 b7E 1 Fro m: Pichota, Christophe r M. (NS) (FB I) =;;:::;:::;;:::~;;;::::;:;;;:;::I!,!.!!!!!I!!!:;!J~!ll!!!.!~~ Scnt: Tucsday, May 09, 20 17 9:08 PiM To: Doss, Christophe r T. (LD) (FB I~ Lind uist Dou las E. (CK) (FB I) "'"=--------ro.!;Mccall, A. T. (OTD) (FBI) Grigg. Gmvais C. (DO) (FB I1-_ _ _ _ _ _....L"S"ha"'j.• Johnnic (Om) (FB I) senbc , Alice R. (LD) (FBI Brooks, Brian K. (OTD) (FB I) crbas, John H. Delgreco, Kimbcrly J. (CJl~S" ) ;;(FB""'I);r------===='-l (CJIS) (FBI) Drolshagc n, Raine r S. (DO) (FB I Co Cofield . Valerie M. (DO (FBI) Subjcct: Fwd : Mcssagc fro m Attomey Gencml Sessio ns All - As we movc U\rough this challcnging time. please cont.inue to provide focus and leadcrship for the STB Tcam. AD McCalL DAD Brooks. and I v iewcd a SVTC hosted by Acting Directo r McCabc U\is evening (from thc US Embassy in Wcllington Ncw Zcaland) w hcre the Acting Director askcd cvcryo ne to ho ld close to our mission and valucs w hile co ntinuing to protect thc Amcrican people and upho lding the Constitution of U1C Unitcd Statcs. In addition, instruction was providcd to rcfmin from making open statements to mcdia on thc cvents surrounding fomlcr Dircctor Co mcy. STB w ill cont.inue to move fonvard and support FBI mission objectives and organi7.ll.tional requiremcnts. I look to all of you as senio r branc h leaders to servc as sourccs of strength and stability in keeping our folks focused and engagcd on the persistent national security and crimc problem operat.ing envirolUuents. Whcnl return to CO NUS, wc w ill havc a bricf STB busincss mcct.ing to evaluatc thc currcnt operat.ing env irolUuent and to dcterminc how wc w ill proceed in line with updated guidance and direction UJat may form in U1C ncar future . I thank you all in advancc for your support. Please share with your staff mcmbcrs. Thank you. FBI 17-CV-01883-8 ------- Original message -----Fro m: FBI_COMMUNICATIO NS LI_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _- ' b7E 1 Date: 5110117 11:57 AM (GMT+ 12:00) Subject: Message from Altom<=)' General Sessions Message from the Allorne), General The President of Ule U nited States has exercised his lawfu l authority to remove James B. Comey, Jr., as Ule Director of the Fedeml Bureau of Investigation. By operation of law and effective immediately, Deputy Di recto r Andrew McCabe assumed the position of Acting Director of Ule FB I. As you well know, the FBI is an excepLionallaw enforcement and intelligence agency. It is made so by you, the devoted men and women w ho work Lirelessly to keep our country safe. Thank you for your steadfast dedication and commitment during thi s Lime of trans ition. Jeff Sessions FBI 17-CV-01883-9 attachment on previous age b6 1 1:70 1 2 FBI From: To: b7E 2 Subject: Update Date: Tuesday, May 09, 20179:01:45 PM OVA - I have spoken a couple of times thi s evening with the EAD. Acting Director McCabe held a conference call with seni or leaders and hour or so ago. The work of the FB I goes on as always. Our hearts may be heavy but we must continue to do what we do best, which is to protect and serve the American people. I am closely monitoring events from home and Karen will attend the regular Wednesday Director's meeting tomorrow. She wi ll meet wi th you afterwards and we wi ll do our best to keep you informed . Hang in there. Thanks Kathryn FBI 17-CV-01883-12 From: Turma n, Kathryn M. (DO) (FBI ) Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2017 9:02 PM Tol S"b~i~.c~t~'"U~Pd~a~t~.--------------------~ b 7E 1 , 2 OVA - I have spoken a coupl e of times thi s evening with the EAD . Acting Director McCabe held a conference call with seni or leaders and hour or so ago. The work of the FBI goes on as always. Our hearts may be heavy but we must continue to do what we do best, whi ch is to protect and serve the Ameri can peopl e. I am closel y monitoring events fro m home and Karen will attend the regular Wednesday Director's meeting tomorrow. She will meet with you aft erwards and we will do our best to keep you inform ed. Hang in there. Thank s Kathryn FBI 17-CV-01883-13 Piehota, Christopher M. (NS) (FBI) From: Piehota, Christopher M. (NS) (FBI) Tuesday, May 09, 2017 9:08 PM Sent: To: Doss, Christopher T, (W) (FBD; lindquist, Douglas L (CK) (FBt); Mccall, A, T, (oro) (FBI); Grigg, GUlvais C. (DO) (FBI); Sharp. Johnnie (OTD) (FBI); fsenberg, Alice R, (LD) (FBI); Brooks, Brian K. (OTD) (FBI); Derbas, John H. (CJIS) (FBI); Delgreco, Kimberly J. (CJIS) (FBI); DrolsMagen, Rainer S. (DO) (FBll Cc: 1 ____________________Llc~o~f;~.~ ld~.V~a~I~••~;.~M ~.(~D~O~)~(F~B~I)~j__________________~lb6 Subject: ~r~~~~~~~~~~~~~--------------------~F7C Fwd: Message f rom Attorney Genera! Sessions 1 1 All ~ A~ .ve move throllgh this challenging time, please continue to provide fOCllS and leadership for the STB Team, AD McCall, DAD Brooks, and I vic\\'cd ~l SYTC hosted by Acting Director McCabe this evening (from the US Embassy in Wellington New Zealand) where the Acting Direttor asked everyone to hold close to our mission and values while continuing to protett the American people and upholding. the Constitution of the United States. In addition: instruction was provided to refrain from making open statemcnts to media on the events surrounding fomJer Director Comey. STB will continue to move forv~'ard and support FBI missi(Hl objectivcs and organizational requirements. I look to all of you ~lS senior branch leaders to serve as sources of stre.ngth and stability in keeping our folks focused and engaged on the persist.ent national security and crime problem operating environments. When I return to CONUS, we w.ill have a briefSTH business meeting to evaluate the current operating environment and determine hn'\v we \vill proceed in line \vith updated guidance. and direction that may fonn in the near future. J thank you all in advance for your support. to P!e~lse slum! with your staff members. Thank you. ¥¥¥_¥_-- Original message -------- From: FBt...COMMUNICA TlONS j Date: 5!J011 711:57 AM GMT+ 12·L:(")O". ' ) -----------~ b 7E 1 To: Fill ALI,--~__~____~--.J Subject: Message [rom Attomey General Sessions Messag e from the Attor ney Ge neral The PreSident of the United States has exercised his lawful authority to remove James B. Comey, Jr., as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. By operation of taw and effective immediately, Deputy Director Andrew McCabe assumed t he position of Acting Director of the fBI. As you well know I the FBI is an exceptional law enforcement and intelligence agency. It is made so by you, the devoted men and women who work tirelessly 1 FBI 17-CV·01883-14 to keep our country safe. Thank you for your steadfast dedication and commitment during this time of transition. Jeff Sessions 2 FBI 17-CV-01883-1S b7E 1,2 Froml..,,.....,_-,----:-:-===,..-.,,-:-:!. Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 3:42 PM To:1 Subject: Current Events --- UNCLASSIFIED Cl ass ifi cat i on: UNCLASS I FI ED ====================================================== All: As we face the next couple of days in the FBI, you w ill be questioned by fam ily, friends and acquaintances about the events and circumstances surroundi ng Director Corney. What you say t o them should be straightforward and simple: We w ill continue to execute the mission of the FBI- Protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. When an Interim Director or new Director is named, we w ill full y support him or her and get them up to speed rapidly. We have a rich history of managing and working through significant challenges and we w ill do so again. Please refrai n from any messaging to external partners other than what is stated above. A single voice is important and that w ill come from Acting Director McCabe . Please reach out t o your Section Chiefs, myself or Rand if you have any concerns. -Tracey FBI 17-CV-01883-16 Sent: Ritzman, Marlin l. (AN) {FBI} Tuesday, May 09, 2017 4:46 PM To: AN_ALL_EMPLOYEES From: b6 1 b7C 1 I had a phone conversation with A/Director Andrew McCabe tOday. The president did fire Director Comey today. The Attorney General and the President both asked the Deputy to be the A/Director and he accepted. Despite the surp rise to eve ryone our mission tomorrow will remain the same as it was today. "The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the constitution of the United States" that will not change. As I learn more information I will keep everyone informed. Marlin L Ritzman Special Agent in Charge Anchorage Division b6 1 b7C 1 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-17 To: Subject: LEVAllEY, DAVID J. (AD (FBI) Tuesday, May 09, 2017 8:2B PM AT-AU Dismissal of Director Corney --- UNClASSIAEO SentlnelCllseld: NON-RECORD From: Sent: Classification: UNCLASSIFIED All. As you are all aware from the news, President Trump dismissed FBI Director James Corney t oday. Until a new Director is appointed, President Trump has appoint ed current Deputy Director Andrew Mccabe as the Interim Director of the FBI. Although the recent change is unsettling. I expect it to have Jittle Impa ct on the wor!< we do each and ell ery day. We will con tinue protect the American people and the even ts of today should nOI chemge t he way you carry out Ihat mission. Please be mindful of your position in the co mmunity and how damaging your remarks could be to the reputa tion of this wonderful FBI if they are not proper. W hat you say and how you say It could further erode people's perception of the FBI. Men and women of the Atlanta Division, in the coming weeks aU eyes and ea r.~ will he on you; please bi! mindful to represen t the Atlanta Di"biull and the FBI well in all your interac tions. We don't know very much beyond what is being reported in the news. As more information becomes available, I'll pass it along. Semper Progredil (Always forward !) JJaml,¥.,p'V.u.w Federal Bureau of Investigation Atlanta DIvision .. , b1C 1 b1 E 1 Classification: UNCLASSIFIED FBI 17-CV-01883- From: Sent: To; Subject: Shaw, Harold H. (BS) (FBI) M '-;;""'"...._ _ _ _ _ _ _.L0"""ineill , Christine E. (SeeD) ( FBI ),;I~===..".=~~~.--J ( FBI ). ~;;;:=======:JFarrell , David R. (8S) (FBI ); Mcmahon, Gerald M. (BS) ( FBI ) ~~ Kowenhoven, Peter F. (8S) (FBI ); Ja rvis, Randolph H. (B5) (FBI ) FBI Director b6 1 b7C 1 O - I f you could get below passed to the Boston Division, it would be appreciated. All, As you've likely heard within the media, President Trump has removed FBI Director Corney this afternoon. I'm actively working to get any additional information, and will immediately pass to keep you updated. Our mi ssion continues and we'll deal with the unexpected change and eventual transition. Wish I had more to share at this point. Once I get anything new, will update accordingly. Hank Harold H. Shaw Special Agent in Charge I b6 1 FB I-Boston b7C 1 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-19 b6 1 b7C 1 Subj ect: Shaw, Harold H. (BS) (FBI) Tuesday, May 09, 2017 8:11 PM BSAII RE: FBI Director (Update #1) Importance: High From: Sent: To: Boston, I just got off a conference call with FBI DD McCabe. Approximately 1730 this afternoon, following President Trump's removal of Director Corney, DD McCabe met with AG Sessions who asked him to serve as acting Director of the FBI. Additionally, M r. Mccabe advised that he received a caU from President Trump who indicated that McCabe would serve in the acting capacity as a new FBI Director is sought. During these surprising and tumultuous times within the FBI, a few points were discussed that need to be highlighted and relayed: 1. We all need to understand that /lour mission does not change'''' 2. 3. 4. S. Stay focused on our respo nsibilities of "protecting and upholding the constitution." No matter what your role is within the FBI (Special Agent, TFO, lA, LA, and Professional Staff), we all need to realize the "eyes of the country" are on us and we need to be rnindrul of "what we say and what we do/~ We must maintain our professionalism and continue to strive for excellence. There will be no public statements made to the media by this office and I ask aU of you to refrain from any commentary in public. As you can expect, there will be some changes on the horizon. Please stay focused, continue to get the j ob done, and know that your country depends on you. We aU joined this organization to make a difference, gi ....e back, and take the bad guys off the street. No matter who's leading the FBI, our mission and what we strive for on a daily basis will never change. I have another conference call scheduled for tomorrow at 1500. More to follow and will keep you informed. Thanks for your support. Hank -------- Original message -------From' "Shaw Harold H (BS) (FB I)" I Date: '05109120 176:17 PM (GMT-05:00) To:1 b6 1 b7C 1 b7E 1 IOneill , Christine E. (BS) (FBI)" I I"Farrell, David R. (BS) (FBl)"l "Mcmahon. Gerald M. BS I Randolph H. (BS) (FB[)" I SU~Ject. F BI Director FBI)"I "Kowenhoven, Peter F. (BS) (FBll"l I I"Jarvis, I FBI 17-CV-01883-20 All, As you've likely heard within the media, President Trump has removed FB I Director Corney this afternoon. I'm actively working to get any additional infonnation, and will immediately pass to keep you updated. Our mission continues and we'll deal with the unexpected change and eventual transition. Wish I had more to share at this point. Once I get anything new, will update according ly. Hank Harold H. Shaw I Special Agent in Charge FBi-Sosto" b6 1 b7C 1 2 FBI 17-CV-01883-21 b6 1 b 7C 1 From: Sent: To: Subject: Shaw, Harold H. (BS) (FBI) Tuesday, May 09,20178:12 PM BSAII RE: FBI Director (Update #2) Message from the Attorney General The President of the Uni ted Sta tes has exercised his lawful aut hority to remove James B. Corney, Jr., as the Director of the Federal Bu reau of Investigation , By operation of law and effective immediately, Deputy Director Andrew McCabe assumed the position of Act ing Directo r of the FBI. As you well know, the FBI is an exceptional law enfo rcement and int ellig ence agency. It is made so by you, the devoted men and women who work t ire lessly to keep our country safe. Thank you for you r st eadfast dedication and commitment during this time of transition. Jeff Sessions From: Shaw, Harold H. (BS) (FBI ) Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2017 8:11 PM To, BS AII I I b 7E 1 Subject: RE: FBI Di rector (Update #1) Importance: High Boston, I just got off a conference call with FBI DO McCabe. Approximately 1730 this afternoon, following President Trump's removal of Director Comey, DD McCabe met with AG Sessions who asked him to serve as acting Director of the FBI. Additionally, Mr. McCabe advised that he received a call from President Trump who indicated t hat McCabe would serve in the acting capacity as a new FBI Director is sought. During these surprising and tumultuous t imes within the FBI, a few points were discussed that need to be highlighted and relayed: 1. We all need to understand that " our mission does not changel" 2. Stay focused on our responsibilities of "protecting and upholding the constitution." 3. No matter what your role is within the FBI (Special Agent, rFe, lA, LA, and Professional Staff), we aU need to realize the "eyes of the country" are on us and we need to be mindful of "what w e say and what we do." 4. We must maintain our professionalism and continue to strive for excellence. 5. There will be no public statements made to the media by t his office and I ask all of you to refrain from any commentary in public. As you can expect, t here will be some change.s on the horizon, Please stay focused, continue to get the job done, and know that your country depends on you. We all joined this organization to make a difference, give back, and take the bad guys off the street. No matter who's leading the FBI, our mission and what we strive for on a daily basis will never change. I have another confe rence caU scheduled for tomorrow at 1500. More to follow and will keep you informed. Thanks for your support. 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-22 Hank -------- Original message -------From: "Shaw, Haro ld H. (BS) (FBr)" 1 Date' 05/09/2017 6'17 PM (GMT-OS ~ 'O;;;O' ) --------' 1'0:1 b6 1 b7C 1 b7E 1 rOncill, Christine E. (BS) (FBr)" "Farrell, David R. (BS) (FBI)"I "Mcmahon, Gerald M. (BS) FBI)" I "Kowenhoven, Peter F. (BS) (FBI)" I I Randolph H. (BS) (FBI)"! 1 . Subject. FBI Director I "Jarvis, All, As you've likely heard within the media, Presi dent Trump has removed FBI Director Comey this afternoon. I'm actively working to get any additional information, and will immediately pass to keep you updated. Our mission continues and we'll deal with the unexpected change and eventual transiLion. Wish I had more to share at this point. Once 1 get anything new, will update accordingly. Hank Harold H. Shaw Special Agent in Charge ( BI.BOslOO b6 1 b7C 1 2 FBI 17-CV-01883-23 Foore, Daniel J. (eE) (FBI) From: Strong, John A. (CE) {FBll Sent: To: Tuesdav, Mil¥ 09, 2017 5:55 PM b6 1 b7C 1 Foore, Daniel J. (CE) (Fa . Subject: Director's resignation A{;cnrding to the news, Director Comey has resigned. That's al l I know. John FBI 17-CV·01883-24 Foore. Daniel J. (eE) (FBI) From; Strong, John A. (CE) (FBI) Sent: To: Subject: Tuesday, May 09, 2017 7:49 PM CE ·AlL-FBI-EMPLOYEES Director Comey's Removal I just got off a LVnc call for all SACs, ADs, and EADs that was led by Oeputy Director McCabe. The DO met with the Attorney General late this afternoon and was told lhat the President was exercising his eXE'cutive privilege to remove the Director. The AG and later the President asked t he DD to serve as the Acting Director until a new Director is named and confirmed. The DD stressed that our mission has not changed. We are still here to uphold the constitution and protect the American people . I know you will continue to do that with the professionalism and excellence you have always displayed. The DO directed that t here be no public comments by the SACs. I wish I had more details to share, but you now have everything that J have been provided. John 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-25 Foore. Daniel J. (eE) (FBI) From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Strong, John A. (eEl (Fal) Thursday, May 11, 2017 7:03 AM CE-ALL- FBi- EMPLOYEES l etter from Fonner Director Comey JBC Farewel1.pdf I know this is out in the media, but I wanted to make sure each of you had it. John 1 FBI 17-(v-01883-26 Byers, Angela L (GI) (FBI) From: 8yers. Angel. L. (CI) (F81) Sent: To: Tuesday, May 09,20178:01 PM CI_AlL Subject: Director Comey I'm sure by now, all of you are awa re that President Trump fired Director Corney. Tonight. the SACs has it tync call with the Deputy Director. He informed us that at app roximarety 5:30pm tonight, he was asked to meet with AG Sessions. (The Director was on travel in Los Angeles visiting the field office.) During that meeti ng, AG Sessions informed DO McCabe that President Trump exercised his right/privilege to fire Director Comey and asked DO McCabe to be the Acting Director until a selection of the new Director is made. Thereafter. DD McCabe spoke to President Trump. Acting Director McCabe knows this comes as a surprise to aU of us as it was to everyone at HQ. He wants to make sure the men and women of the fBI understand our mission does not change. We w ill be doing the same work tomorrow as we did today, to protect the American people and uphold the constitution of the United States. Despite the surprise and changes the orga nization will go through, we need to continue to provide strong, stable leadership both internally as well as for our law enforcement partners and remain professional. If I learn anything further, I will share t hat information. Keep doing the great work you are doing! Our great work is what maintains our reputation in the community and will continue to do so during this tumultuous time. Angela l. Byers Special Agent in Charge FBI Cincinnati I b6 1 b7C 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-28 BYERS. ANGELA (el) (FBI) From: Subject: BYERS, ANGELA (CI) (FBf) Tuesdi.lY, May 09, 2017 7:54 PM CI ALL FB! Director Corney -, .. UNCLASSIH£D 5entinelCaseId: NON-R ECORD Sent: To: :lassification : UNCLASSIFIED ,'m sure by flOW, all of you are aware that President Trump fired Director Corney. Tonight the SACs has a lyne caU with the Dep uty Director. He informe d us that at approximately 5:30pm tonight, he was asked to meet with AG Sessions. (The Director Nas on trilve l in Los Angeles visiting the field office.) During that meeting, AG Sessions informed DD McCabe that President frump exercised his right/privilege to fire Director Con1ey and asked DD McCJbe to be tbe Acting Directar until a selection of the "lew Director is made. Thereafter, DD McCabe spoke to President Trump. l\ctfng Director McCabe knows t his comes as a surprise to all of us as it was to everyo ne at HQ. He wants to make sun! the men :IIlU women of the FBI understand our mission does not change. We wilt be doing the same work tomorrow as we did today, to Jrotect the American people and uphold the constitution of the United States. De-spire the su rprise and changes the organization wilt go through, we need t o continue to prov ide strong, st;;lble leadership both otemally as we ll as fo r our law enforcement partners and remain professional. If I learn anything further, I will share that oformation. Message from ADIC Fike --- UNCLASSIAED Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 11 :46: 12 AM b6 1 b7C 1 Classification: UNCLASSIFIED ADIC Fike and Ule SAC arc cUITcnUy meeting rcgarding rcccnt evcnts involv ing Director Come)'. Furtller information will bc prov ided as soon as possible. Thank you for paLience and support. Classification: UNCLASSIFIED FBI 17-CV-01883-4S 'fan From: Fi~ e. I.)ei[(jr e To: "'-AIJ Subject: Date: Farewell Letter Wednesday, May 10, 2017 9:43:32 PM Attachments: ]SC FWe'' ''e!l. pdf L. ( W AIL This letter was disseminated in responsc to all the encouragement Director Come)' has received from his Bureau family. I know many have already received it and others are inquiring about him so I am sharing Utis with the LAFO. He cont.inues to exltibit Ule gmce, dignity and character we have all obscrved through his leadership. Best, D. Deirdre L. Fike Assistant Director in Charge Los Angeles Field Office 11000 Wil shire Blvd. I Los A"g"os. CA 90024 b6 1 b7C 1 b7E 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-46 From: FIKE. DElRDREL rtA) (FSn To: LA-MAIL-AU -EMPLOYEE'> Subject: Book of Letters --- UNCLASSIFIED Date: Monday, May 15, 2017 3:01 :23 PM Classification: UNCLASSIFIED AIL Just wanted to follow up with you after last week' s events with Directo r Comey. I continue to receive call s and emails about his appreciation for Ule LAFO Family upon leaming Ule news. I will tell you Uklt lle tnily felt the warmth from the employees as he walked out of Umt roo m. He will never forget Ukl!, no r tlle professionalism of the team who acco mpanied him back to the a irport fo r his return to WDe. Many of you Iklve inquired about how to get a message to Director Come)'. I have spoken to hi s staff Umt assured me any entails and letters sent to tlle Director' s Office will be collected and delivered to him. I also am going to steal an idea fro m the New Haven offi ce who is putLing togetller a book of letters to be delivered. If anyone would ~nd we like to write a letter tlklt could be included in a book from Ule LAFO, please forward it t~ will co mpile and deliver. Again, thank you for your co ntinued focus on Ule mission as we do the Bureau' s work for Ule American people. will keep you infonned of any developments I learn about a trans iLion in leadership. Take care of yourselves and each oUler. D. b6 1 b7C 1 Deirdre L. Fike Assistant Director in Charge Los Angeles Field Office Classification: UNCLASSIFIED FBI 17-CV-01883-48 b6 1 L...........................~........................................................... b7C 1 Fro m : Sent: Upchurch, L. D. (LR) (FBI) Tuesday, May 09, 2017 7:45 PM To: Subject: LR All FBI Good evening, LRAs you may know by now, Jim Corney has been removed as our Director, and Deputy Director McCabe has been named the Acting Director by the AG. Regardless of all of this change, we will continue to do the great work of the FBI. Rumors will be flying~ so please refrain from involvement with that. Also, please do not make any comments to the media, or to anyode who could relay comments to the media. Our responsibility is to remain professional, as always. I appreciate your help la nd patience as the FBI goes through these challenging times. As I learn things, I will let you know. Thank you- Diane 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-49 ~________________________~_________________________________________________ b7C 1 b6 1 From: Upchurch, L. D. (LR) (FBI) Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 8:41 PM LRAII Letter from Comey JBC Farewell.pdf Please see the attached letter from Corney. Have a good evening - Diane 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-S0 To: I-tESS, /,4..1'f. S, ilS, (fEr, LS-EVERYONE-DL Subject: Weekly --- UNClASsIFIEDI'ftf5- Date: Monday, May 15, 2017 10:18:00 AM From: Classification : UN CLASSIFIED //~ ====================================================== TRANSITORY RECORD Good morning. As I was preparing this week's edition, I found it odd & a bit surreal to think that just last Monday, we were talking about the Derby & other operations with no idea what was about to happen Tuesday evening. Director Comey's firing launched what has seemed like non-stop news coverage, conjecture, & questions about the FBI. I'm sure you, like me, were asked many times this weekend by family, friends, & even total strangers what you think about this turn of events, who will lead the FBI, & what it means for our future. As I said at the Town Hall last week, I wish I had more information to share, but we all seem to be learning of events as they unfold . Nonetheless, I couldn't agree more with what the Deputy Director told the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) on Thursday: "Simply put... you cannot stop the men & women of the FBI from doing the right thing ." We will continue to do our jobs, to seek the truth, & pursue justice. It's who we are. And it's what brought us together to work here. The people of this great organization are what have made it great, regardless of who's in charge. I hope you find some solace in knowing that, despite the upheaval & uncertainty of what lies ahead, this part doesn't change. We will forge ahead to uphold the reputation of the FBI & the legacy of those who came before us. To drive home this point, I think it's important to highlight all the great work that continued to occur last week - work that didn't stop after Tuesday evening . So without further ado, here's the round-up: H O~ Ithe efforts of SA SA! 1& the rest of th esulted in he indictment of 2 members of the Victory Park Crips: I Iwas indicted on 2 counts of being a Felon in Possession (FIPJ of a firearm, while I Iwas indicted on one count of FIP & 3 counts of threatening a federal officer. The threats were made a ainst Detectivel The te!:-a"'m ::::-Ca::;I"so ': -:: a::: rr::: e"' st"'e:::d" E "" BI"o::: ' cT.k--' Bloods member on Tuesday night, after they fled a drive-by shooting on the Victory Park Crips & crashed their vehicle. 1 f,vere charged with receiving stolen property, inctuding a stolen handgun & car, plus wanton endangerment. b6 1 ,3, 4 b 7C 1 ,3, 4 b 7 E 2,3 Over or! Ion Tuesday,1 Imet with LI_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ---'1 FBI 17-CV-01883-S2 From: To: Subject: FBI Director Date: Tuesday, December 05, 2017 10:03: 19 AM fi'e2Ql 70'i09-161133 p:ff Attachments: Importance: b6 1 b7C 1 b 7E 1 High Fro m: Hess, Amy S. (DO) (FB I) senrt=T=U~'~sda~y~,=M="=Y=O=9=,=20=17=6='=1=5=P=M=======]ILS_ SupervisorsI To: l:Subject: FBI Director L _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _J Importance: High Please fo rward to all personnel. For some reason, I canno t access the div ision-w ide email distro right now. AIL At approximately 5:50pm, major media ouUets began reporting Umt Director Come)' was fired by President Trump v ia leiter delivered to FB IHQ Ulis afternoon. There was no internal no tificaLio n nor prior indicaLion provided to us. I just received the altached information from FB IHQ at 6:09pm. We w ill update yo u WiUl more info nuaLio n as it is received . - Amy FBI 17-CV-01883-53 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secreta ry FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2017 Statement from the Press Secretary Today, President Donald J. Trump informed FBI Director James Corney that he has been terminated and re moved from office. Pres ident Trump acted based on the clea r recommendations of both Dep uty Attorney General Rod Rosenste in and Attorney Gene ral Jeff Sessions. "The FBI is one of O Uf Nation's most che rished and respected institution s and today will mark a new beginning for our crow n jewel of la w enforcement," sa id Pres ident Trump. A sea rch for a new permanent FBI Director wiU begin immediately. ### FBI 17-CV-0 1883-S4 TH Ii Wtt ITI~ I [()t) SE WASIIINGTON May 9. 2017 Dcar Director Como)': J have recei ved the nttuchcd lelt'crs from the Attorney Genera l nnd Deputy Attorney General of the Ull'ited States recommending ),OUI' dismis:'mi as the: Director of the Federal Omenu of Investigation. I have accepted their recommcndalii).C. 20530 May 9,2017 MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FROM: ROD). ROSENSTI~~' _ DEPUTY A HORNEY (lENERAL SUBJECT: RESTORING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE I'm The· Federal Bureau of Investigation has long been regarded as our nation>5"-pretnier federal irfvcsligative agency. Over the past year, however, the FBl's reputation and cr(~dibility have suffered substontial damage. and it has affected the ent ire Department of Justice, That is deeply troubling to many Departmenr employees and veterans, legislators nnd citizens. The current FBI D.ircclor is 'an articulate and pcrsu!1~ivc spc~kcr abou t leudcrship and the. immutable principles of the Dcpru1ment of Justice. He deserves our apprcc i~ (ion for his public service. As you and fhave clh:clIssed> however, I cannot defend the Dfrector's handling of the conclusion of the inve.stigation ofSecl'ctary ClinlOn's emails: and l do not understand his refllsal to accept the ncarly universal judgment lhat he \\-'as mistaken. Almost everyone agrees that the Director made serinlls mistakes; it is one Qft hc few issues that unites people of diverse perspc.ctivcs, The Director was wrong to Qsurp the Attorney General's autho.rity 011 JUly 5, 2016, and announce his conclusion that the case should be dosed without prosecution. It is not the function of the Director 10 make such ~n announcement. At most. the Director should h;Jve SHirl Ihe FBI had completed its inve.."itigatioll and ptesen.ted its findings to federal prosecutors, The Director now defends his decis.ion by n55clting t1mt he bcHcved Attomey General Loretta Lynch had Il conUie1- But the VB! Director is never empowered to supplant fe,deJ'1l1 prosecu tors and assume command of the Justice Department. '111erc is a weB-established process for other officillls to step in when a conHict requires the recusnl ofthc Attomey General. On J~lly 5, however, the Director announced his own conclusions about the nation's most sensitJve criminal investigation, without the fluthorization ofdllly appointed Justice Departm.ent lenders. Compounding the errol', the Director ignored another longstanding principle: we do not hold press conferences to relew~e derogator)' information about the subject of a declined criminal investigation. Derogalory information somet.imes is disclosed in the course of criminal investigations and prosecutions, but we never release it gratuitously, The Director laid 011t his version of the facts for the news media as jf it wcn~ a closing argllment, but without a trial. It is a textbook example of what federal prosecutors and agents arc taught not to do. FBI 17-CV-01883-S7 Memorandum for the Attorney General PAge 2 Subject: Restoring Public Conficlence in the Federal Aurea" of Investigation fn response to skeptical questions at a congl'essional he!lring, the Director defended his remarks by saying that hi s "goal was to say what is truc. What did we do, what did we nod, what do we think about it" But rhe goal ora federal crirninaJ inve~tigation is 110t to annQllOCCour thoughts at n press conference. The goal is to determine whether there is sufficient cvidem:c to justify a federal criminal prosecution, then allow a federal pro~ec.\ltor who exercises authority delegated by the Atto.rney General to make a prosecut'orial decision) and then ... if prosecution is warran ted _. Jet the judge and jury detcnnine the iat:ts. We s.ometimes release information about closed investigations in appro priMe ways, but the FBI does not do it sua sponte. Conccming his letter to the Congress on October 28, 2(16) the Direc1O!" cast his decision as a choice between whether hc would "speak" ahout the FBI'g decision to invc!'tigatco. the newlydiscovered email messages Or "conceal" it. "ConceIlI" is t\ 19i.Kled term that misstates the is:~ue, When federaJ agents and prosecutors quietly open a criminal inve~tigatjon, we are not concealing anything; we nrc simply following the longstanding policy Umt we· refhtin from publicizing !lon· public information. 1n that context, silence is not concealment My perspective on lhese issues i~ shared by former Attorneys General find DCPllty Attorneys General from different eras and both poHticaJ pafiics. Judge Laurence Silbennan, who s.erved ali Deputy Attorney General under President fioni, wrote thut "it is not the bureau's responsibility to opine on whether a matter should be prosecuted." Silberman believes that the Director~s "performance was so inappropriate for an FBI direclor that (he] douhl[s] the bureau will ever completely recover," Jamie Gorelick, Deputy Attorney General under President Clinton, joined 'with Larry 11lompsoll, Deputy Attorney General under President George \V. Bush, to opine that the Director had "chosen personally to restrike the balance between fram;parenc}' and fuirness, depal1 ing from Ih~ depanment'~ truditions." They concluded that the Director violatcd his obligation to "preserve, protect and ddemP' the traditions of the Department and the FBI. Fonner Anomey General Michael M\lkascy, who served under President George W. Bush, observed thai the Director ~(stepped ,vay" outside his job in disclosing the recommendation in lhar fashion~' because the FBl director I\doesn't make that deci sion." Alberto Gonzale3, who also served as Attorney Gcncrn,~< .., Cla~sification : TR~~S ITOR~ UNCLASSIF I FD /r~ RECORD A!I -As sla!edln an email which Isenl ovt eorlie! tonighl on Ihe low sIde, major news cullels began reporting 01 approXimately 5:50pm !hol Direcior Corney hod been fll' ed by the f>fesklen t. No Inle-rnCli notinCc1ions were rec-awed plior to this publiC reperling. IrIlighl oj evenTs, tile Depv1y Director (00) held on emergency lync coil fer QlIADIC., SACs, EADs and AO$, 0 17:30 p.m. EST. Here ore the Key polnl$lrcm thol coH: AI - 5:30pm, the DDwes asked 10 meel w1th Deputy Attorney General (DAGJ Rod Rosenstein. 1he DAG informed Ihe DO thol • porusW~ exercising h~ righ t to life Oitector ComeI'. He os~eCl the DO 10 serve (H Acting Direclor. lhe DO subsequently dscussed the molter with porus who ccn!)med Ihe above, for the men and women of the FBI. cur mission dces not change. ""'hal we do tomorrow Is the so me thing we dldyesterdoy 8. for Ihe post 109 years. A ll eyes wiY be o n the FBI lor the near !vlV(e 8. mony people will be wolching 10 see how you respond 10 Ihls turn of ever.ts. Refrain Irom mal::ing any comment 10 the media. Be very careful aboul mal:.ing comrnent~ 10 onyo ne. e ve n 10 friends &. family. HQ Will shore more Information os II bec omes avoilable. Attached are lhe ooc-ul'Y1enls which I disseminated eortier on the low side , Including the memorandum from the DAG. the leIte r from the A ttorn ey Generel to the President. and the le1ter from Ihe President to Director Corney. This J$ obvlousty on unprecedented and tumultuous time lor aUf organIZa tion. On a personal note . l vehementty disagree w ilh ony negative assertions obovl lhe c rediblHly 01 this lnsl!fullon o r the people herein. As you hove demonstrated time and again. the FBI has earned lis reputation os "one of our nation's most c herished and lespeclO;)d ir\slifuHo n:r through your oclions. words, and '1clues. I ask. for yOU! contlnl.l6d strenglh. resflienc e. ond professionalism os Vie forge through this logsU16r. Amy FBI 17-CV-01883-6 1 From: To: Subject: FIN: Farewell letter Date: Tuesday, December 05, 2017 10:03:35 AM b6 1 Attachments: ]SC FWe''''e!l.pdf b7C 1 b7E 1 From: Hess, Amy S. (DO) (FBI) :s~'~n1tiT~h~n~'~:E~~ ~"~'~I~L~2~O~I~7~8='O=I==~==:J LS_Support_DL 1 10' LS SA DL" jM ..._______---'1 LSJFO_DL Subject: FW: Farewell Leller For anyo ne who has not already seen Utis .. ------- Original message -----Frond'--_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _-' Date: 5/ 10/ 17 7:29 PM (GMT -05 :00) ~L__________________________' b6 1 Subject: Farewell Leller b7C 1 b7E 1 Friends: Fonuer Director Comey asked this evening UJatl share the attached note in reply to those who have reached out inquiring abo ut ltim. Thanks fo r all the words of support for such an inspimLional leader. Respectfully, FBI 17-CV-01883-62 ROUSE, AARON C.llV) (FBI) From: ROUSE, AARON C {l Vl (FBI} Sent~ Tuesday, MayP9.• 2017 8:00 PM To: LVJ\Ll_LAS VEGAS FBI EMPLOYEES Subject: Director Corney - UNCLASSlflEO Classifica.tian : UNCLASSIFIED ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As many of yoo are !earning~ the President fired Director Comey today. Deputy Director Andrew G, McCabe is now the Acting Oiret:tor of the- FBl untH a replacement has heen named and confirmed by Con-gress. I kno\.\1 j can-count on ali of you to continue the mission of the FBI because it hasn't changed; protect the Amedean people and uphold the Constitution. All publk statements regard ing this m ~~red,ve Immediat~IYI Qeputv. Dlr1i'!ctor Andre u ofIn~estlgatlon. By operation of law and ~ _ rnre,dpr. of the FBI. As you well know the FS; ,MCC!lbe assumed the position of Acting . . mtelJ igence agency. It IS made so b ' h tS an excepbolila t.law enforcement .and : " ' to lee/ep.our ' country safe. Thank youy for you, 0t e devoted ' , • men and women w h 0 ~ork tlrele'Ssly · th is time of transition. y ur steadfast . and , Bure: _~e.dl~~~lo~ Jeff Sessions , ~: " .. (" ", " ; , .' " .. . . . ', ' ,, ~ ,', , ' , , . cor:nmltm~nt dU~lng . ~. , - .-, J WNW h?jw W/gz?im? gf/L/zig?: Oqfiwwh lv'lce?t fie/vi} Five. bum-r Ho 44% ?rm/31a} \ms'ihms We, WEE-Q1411 ?23252? Q, who MM, Mivah. E: Edi/7:0 HIMJ Wm (Jamie. Mafia 0 Mm?gl? 1??me MWWOM \7?0 (?lm ogvt'?ow? 5L 0/91- mwmbomb ($190.19 32.9. ?lm . cairn - FBI c, oo~ (\\o..rN'',. ~ CD R~k '1 0v~ D,0 ~J J.. Sh6l/V{"" ~ 't-ic.e. ~Plrl6 tJ- Slw o Like.. :1:> U :t~I.JN&.!llJ- fYbJvJ.~e,S4.rd~3 ~ev~ ~ TV. Q~@) (p·.~oP~~ (). 1', 2:> 0 S V"\C.. . S ~ c; ..).Jll ~ 1l'J ;/W.;~ ~ (y\ <'(rl,Q. Q ~ I{il.~-W It il2u(lt& c.. c.J l W~ ~ $.8M~ '1~w~ ."Dr v.h?c:\- l.S \ jI..Q- 8'MVl'C-~ P:orle- ~& +0 vpko(A )..Q.. C&.J s\\L~1.\l ~ I M ~I(\, r-)ot- ~~ . 0t \!Iil\ ~\\pJva.-+0 \\va.. () pto m. ~Ji6tl.l1G1 o ~6kV~~~riJ..0w~ n K"r" InQ \ }Ut(5. FBI 17-CV-01883-89 NWcan/?Ewe +0 wank 7 TD {?Q/fo?rsr "931! mg (-35ng 646g 40 may? prawn! LUW i' mus WSlea/hw (Emma, 5 0M) wads (L (Dow/,5 my? M?Lbule/T WQ #:25me 5e 93%? 94/? 0 W1C mifSSU/lp aim?. NIL- ?ned-f0 Chi ba? tj?m gawk?? . bo? MT 951%. Du M411 Duh dnal calm 6 QR.) {Du/{hum (??leme bul? bi Wat/?rm afgowb??l lav UK 410de Mpgm??ii; sw- We? $1,100 SKA/toes FBI Rossman, Hillary B. (NO) (FBI) From: Sent: To: Subject: Sallet. Jeffrey S (NO) (FBI ) Tuesday, May 09 , 2017 7:01 PM NO All Fwd: Message from Attorney General Sessions Team, This is the latest information we have. In an effort to be transparent I wanted to send you a quick email. We will push out any infonnation we receive. Best, Jeff Jeffrey S. Sallet Special Agent in Charge FB I New Orleans Servine: the State of Louisiana) b6 1 b7C 1 -------- Original message -------From: FBI_COMMUN ICATIONSI Date : 5/91176:56 PM (OMT.06:00\-)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' b7E 1 To: FBI_ALL! Subj eel: MessL ag"e= President. I know this is surprising and shocking to many of us. What ....'C must re(ll('mber i$ that we are here to prot!.·ct the America n public. We ....ill continue. to do that in everythinll that we 00. mis~iun As I learn more in the diiys aheiid I w ill pass it to all of you. Chri5topher Combs Spetial A8enllU Charge Federal Bureau of Irr.oestigation San Antonio Oivi5ion Sail Antonio· Austin · WaCf) : Del Rio · laredo· McAUcn - Brownsville I b •• b7C 1 FBI 17-CV-Ol883-98 ,. a: From: To: Subject: Date: BIRNBAUM. E8JC S, ( SD) (>=61) SO Al l EMpLDYEE~ EMA! L Transition --- UNClAS5IAED Tuesday, May 09, 2017 7:53:29 PM Classification: UNCLASSIFIED TRANSITORY RECORD This afternoo n, President Trump dismi ssed Director Co me)' from hi s position as head of Ule FBI. While this action comes as a surprise for most of us, an organization as large and important as ours must act quickly to ensure our mission to protect the American people and uphold the constitution continues without delay. I ask each of you to cont.inue to fo cus on your outstanding work in Ulis regard as we enter a transit.ional period in ou r leadership. Until a IleW Director is selected, Deputy Director Andy McCabe will serve as Acting Director. I'll keep you informed as new details about the tmnsition beco me known. Thanks. Eric Classification: UNCLASSIFIED FBI 17-CV-01883-99 From: MOJICA. CARLOS L. (SEl (fEll To: Sf' eJI -f'mpIQ>'f fs-FE j Subject: FBI Director .. - UNCLASSI FIED Date: Tuesday, May 09, 2017 8:39:51 PM Classification: UNCLASSIFIED As the Allorne), General has anno unced, Ulis afternoon the President fired Director Comey. The Attorney GenemI and President have asked Deputy Director Andrew McCabe to serve as the Acting Directo r ofthe FBiunLiI a new director can be confirmed. Acting Director McCabe he ld a conference call with all Ule SACs and Executive Management of FBIHQ Ulis afternoon. He emphasi7..cd that Ule most important thing right now is still our mission: To pro tect the American people and upho ld tile Constitution of Ule United States. Our mission has not c hanged - and will no t change - in light of today's news. Thank you for your dedication and service to our country. Carlos L. Mo -ica ASAC b6 1 b7C 1 b7E 2 Classification: UNCLASSIFIED FBI 17-CV-01883-100 BENN ETT, JQHN F. (SF) (FBil From: SENNETT. JOHN Fe (Sf) (fBI} Sent~ Tuesday, MayOO, 2017 7:51 PM To: SF-All Subject: Director Corney - UNCLASSlflEO Classifica.tian : UNCLASSIFIED ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Folks" j just got off a S\lTC with Deputy Oir-ector Andrew McCabe. Today at S;30pm EST, .the- Pr-esident acted on his right to terminate the Director of the FBI. Jim Corney was asked to leave his position immediately. We have not heen told details 'as to why. DO McCabe.wHlcommence as Acting Director untit;a replacement is"foundand confirmed bv Congress. These events are hard to hear and harder to comprEhend. However" our mission will not change. Wel.>oJill prote-ctthe people. of this Nation and uphold the Cqnstitution of t he United' Slates. We have. a one hundred. ~nd nine ye-ar proud tradition. of doing this and it does not change with leadership ... eveL My .eKpectations for each and evelY one- of us is to live up this this honored tradition by maintaining professiona lism and employing great judgment in everything we do. J ask-every person in the San francisco Divisiol"l' to refrain"'f rom making any publl,,'comments on any .platform.. ! wm provide additional communications as soon a5 I have update.d lnformation. Jack John F. Sennett. Special Agent in Charge San Frand sco ------------------------ -----.---- - - - -------- --- ------------- -----.--- - - -- Classit:icat i on: UNCLASSIFIED FBI 17-CV-01883-101 Cox, Sean M. (51) (FBI) From: Sent: To: Cox, Sean M . (5I) (FBI) Subject: Ulrector b6 1 b7C 1 Tuesday, May 09, 2017 6:16 PM Smith, Tracie l. (51) (FBI); Holloway, Jon M. (lR) (FBI)J Everyone, As I know all of you are watching the news, I am not the first to te ll you Di recto r Corney was dismissed from his position. I know of nothing more than what has been reported in the media. J will be participating in a conference call this evening . If I learn of anything new I will advise after the ca ll. Regards, Sean Sean M . Cox Special Agent in Charge I b6 1 Springfield Division b7C 1 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-102 Cox, Sean M, (SI) (FBI) From: Sent: To: b6 1 Cox, Sean M. (51) (FBI) b7C 1 Tuesday, May 09 20176:5 3 PM Holloway, Jon M. (51) (FBI);I ISmith, Tracie L (5I) (FBI);I Subject: News 1 FBI 17-CV-01883-103 Good evening all, As all of you know Director Corney was dism issed this afternoon. I just finished a call with FBIHQ along with the other SACs and ADICs, Deputy Director Andrew McCabe has been asked by the Attorney General and the President to serve as the Acting Director of the FBI until a new Director is an nounced. As we go th rough this change one thing does not change and that is our mission. What we do tomorrow is what we do each and every day, it is what we have always done, we serve and protect the peop le of t he United States and uphold our Constitution. I have no other news to share at this time and will see you at work tomorrow . Regards, Sean 2 FBI 17-CV-01883-104 Fro m : To: l&ff, I Roygla;; AI (S.j) (i'BIl Subject: FW: FBIHQ Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 11: 16:13 AM b6 1 b7C 1 b7E 1 , 4 Fro m: Leff, Douglas A. (51) (FBI) Scnt: Tucsday. May 09. 20 17 6:50 PM To, SJ Alii I Subjcct: FBlHQ Thc Dcputy Director callcd fo r an emcrgcncy SVTC regarding the Presidcnt's dccisionto fire our Dircctor. I'll email evcryonc an update as soon as it ends. Scnt v ia .I_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _--' FBI 17-CV-01883-10S Fro m : To: Subject: Date: FW: Video conference with FBIHQ Tuesday, November 28, 2017 11: 17:09 AM Fro m: Leff, Douglas A. (51) (FBI) Scnt: Tucsday. May 09. 20 177:5 1 PM To' SJ Alii b6 1 b7C 1 b7E 1 , 4 I Subjcct: Video confc rcncc with FBIHQ We were just adv ised of Ule following: Thc Allo mcy General has namcd Dcputy Director McCabe as Acting Director until a IleW di rector is appointcd. Thc removal of Director Comey came as a great surprise to evcryonc in U1C FB I. The most important Uling for all of us right now is that our missio n to serve thc Amcrican people docs no t cha nge and we must reflect that to Ule public. FBIHQ will g ivc us real Limc updatcs as new developmc nts takc placc. T ile regular wcckl y di rector SVTC will takc place tomorrow, and l'lllet you all know whatcvcr is said. Bucnas Noches. Doug Scnt Vi~L_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.J FBI 17-CV-01883-106 From: To: WQ;,)QS. WILLL":M P, (5W (fEll UNCLA55IFIED~ Subject: Director Corney --- Date: Tuesday, May 09, 2017 8:02:07 PM Classification: UNCLASSIFIEDHfOUO TRANSITORY RECORD AIL I'm sure we are all feeling a widc mngc of cmoLions regarding the firing of Director Come)' by President Trump. just parLicipated in an all SAC SVTC with FBIHQ and acting Director Andrcw McCabe. I'd like to strcss onc point, the FBI mission does not changc. We must continue to protcct the Amcrican Pcople and uphold U1C ConstituLion of the United States. I'm sure most of you will be askcd by fri ends, fami ly, and possibly members of U1C prcss about yom opinion of what has happened. I suggcst you rcfrain from making public comments. I will prov idc morc informaLion regarding thi s situation as I receive il. William P. Woods Special Agcnt in Charge SI. Louis Division b6 1 b7C 1 Classification: UNCLASSIFIEDNrouo FBI 17-CV-01883-107 DELACOURT, PAUL D. (HN) (FBI) Wednesday, November 22, 2017 1:56 PM From: Sent: To: Subject: IFW: Update --- UNCLASSIFIED I Classification : UNCLASSIFIED b6 1 b7C 1 b7E 1 From: DELACOURT, PAUL D. (HN) (FBI) Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2r:O"1,,7-'8::;:3,,2,,A:::M:::..._ _ _ _ _ _--, To: HN ALL_EMPLOYEES.~I Subject: Update --- UNCLASSIFIED ==:::-_______--' Classification : UNCLASS IFI ED l.ast week was a difficult week for our organi7.