Federal Agent Under Investigation for Operation Metro Surge Actions A federal agent and several other agents were recently placed under investigation after a review of their actions during the 2021 Operation Metro Surge, which aimed to reduce violent crime in Minneapolis. The investigation was launched following allegations that some agents used excessive force or engaged in questionable behavior while carrying out the operation. Greg Bovino, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is among those under scrutiny. According to sources familiar with the matter, Bovino has been accused of using his authority to intimidate witnesses and allegedly mishandling evidence during the operation. The investigation was launched after an internal review of Metro Surge activities revealed concerns about the conduct of some agents involved in the operation. While most agents were deemed to have acted professionally and within guidelines, a few individuals drew attention for their actions. In addition to Bovino, other federal agents have also been placed under investigation, although details about their specific roles or allegations are not yet publicly available. The investigations are being conducted by the Department of Justice's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), which handles internal probes into alleged misconduct by federal law enforcement officials. The OPR is working closely with the Minneapolis Police Department and other local agencies to gather information and interview witnesses as part of its investigation. The outcome of these inquiries could lead to disciplinary action, including possible termination or suspension for agents fou...#Department_of_Justice #Greg_Bovino #Bureau_of_Alcohol_Tobacco_Firearms_and_Explosives #ATF #Office_of_Professional_Responsibility #OPR #Minneapolis_Police_Department
DOJ Renews Fight Against Law Firms That Stood Up to Trump in Abrupt Reversal In a surprise move, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced that it will renew its fight against two law firms that had successfully challenged several executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump. The sudden reversal comes just days after the DoJ dropped its case against the law firms, which had argued that the orders were unconstitutional. The two law firms, Arnold & Porter and Mayer Brown, had taken on a number of high-profile cases challenging Trump's executive actions, including his travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries and his order to build a border wall with Mexico. In each instance, the law firms successfully convinced federal judges to block or strike down the orders, citing constitutional violations. The DoJ's decision to drop its case against the law firms was seen as a major victory for advocates of civil liberties and government accountability. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the department has now filed new briefs arguing that the law firms' work on behalf of their clients was "unscrupulous" and "in violation of professional ethics." According to sources familiar with the matter, the DoJ's decision to renew its fight against the law firms was motivated by a desire to punish them for their perceived disloyalty to Trump. The move has been widely condemned by legal experts and civil liberties advocates, who see it as an attempt to intimidate and silence lawyers who dare to challenge the government. "This is a clear attempt to bully and harass these law firms into backing down," said one lawyer familiar with the case. "It's unacceptable that the DoJ would try to use its power to punish them for doing their jobs...#Donald_Trump #Arnold_Porter #Mayer_Brown #Department_of_Justice #United_States_Congress #Constitution_of_the_United_States
