Sen. Schmitt Demands Answers After Massive FBI Data Breach Exposes Informants

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is sounding the alarm over a significant cybersecurity breach that exposed sensitive FBI data, including months of agents’ call and text logs with confidential informants. The hack, reportedly linked to a prior attack on AT&T’s public safety network, raises serious concerns about the agency’s ability to protect critical information.

In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Schmitt condemned the FBI for failing to safeguard sensitive communications. He warned that this breach could undermine the trust between the FBI and its confidential informants, potentially discouraging future cooperation vital to national security efforts.

Schmitt further criticized the Biden administration, accusing it of failing to prioritize cybersecurity and national security. He pointed to the FBI’s previous controversial actions, such as the raid on President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, as evidence of the agency’s misplaced priorities under current leadership.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Schmitt called on the Senate to expedite the confirmation of Kash Patel, a Trump ally known for his commitment to reforming federal agencies. Patel has pledged to combat political weaponization and restore accountability within government institutions.

The FBI acknowledged the breach and stated it is working to secure its systems and protect the identities of its informants. However, critics argue that reactive measures are not enough to restore public trust in the agency’s security protocols.

AT&T, whose network was compromised, confirmed it has been collaborating with law enforcement to mitigate the impact of the breach. The telecom giant faced a major data theft in 2022 that exposed records from over 109 million accounts, intensifying concerns over cybersecurity in U.S. government operations.