Former FBI agent Jonathan Gilliam expressed his frustration with the agency’s operational standards and the influence of political ideologies on its recruitment and qualifications during an appearance on Newsmax Thursday.
Speaking on Carl Higbie: Frontline, Gilliam criticized the FBI’s failure to adapt to modern challenges and pointed to a lack of innovative thinking as a significant flaw in its approach.
Gilliam, who served in the FBI from 2005 until his departure in 2013, explained his disillusionment with the bureau’s operations. “That’s the way they’ve been doing that for a long time, ever since I was in the bureau, back in 2005, all the way back to there. When I got out in 2013, I couldn’t take it anymore,” Gilliam said.
“The reality is they, just like down in New Orleans, a perfect example of what you saw down there, is that the bureau doesn’t think outside the box.”
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He added that the FBI’s failure to approach problems with fresh perspectives has led to significant shortcomings in its effectiveness.
Gilliam also addressed concerns about the influence of political ideologies within the agency.
He claimed that the FBI has been significantly impacted by the political left, which he described as having “swarmed through all these agencies like a virus.”
This, according to Gilliam, has led to an environment where individuals who are not fully qualified for their positions are recruited and promoted, further exacerbating the agency’s shortcomings. “When you add in the mix with that, the political left that has swarmed through all these agencies like a virus, what you get is people who are unrealistic,” he said.
“They are not qualified for the job, and they recruit other people that are not qualified for the job. And that’s how you end up with this nonsense…”
Former FBI Agent: ‘I Couldn’t Take It Anymore…Just Like New Orleans, A Perfect Example…’
Former FBI agent @JGilliam_SEAL expressed his frustration with the agency’s operational standards and the influence of political ideologies on its recruitment and qualifications during… pic.twitter.com/cTPr3He9a1
— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 3, 2025
Gilliam’s comments come in the wake of a tragic New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans.
The attack involved a driver who rammed a truck into a crowd of pedestrians on Bourbon Street, killing 10 people and injuring approximately 35 others.
The vehicle continued its path of destruction, colliding with a construction vehicle before finally coming to a stop. Authorities identified Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, as the suspect behind the attack, and initially, law enforcement had launched a manhunt, speculating that Jabbar may have had accomplices.
However, the FBI later confirmed that Jabbar had acted alone in carrying out the assault.
Jabbar used a Ford pickup truck to plow through pedestrians on Bourbon Street, a busy tourist area in New Orleans.
The attack, which unfolded just hours before the start of the new year, left the city in shock and raised serious concerns about the FBI’s handling of such incidents.
Despite the chaotic aftermath and the ongoing investigation, the FBI declared that Jabbar’s actions were carried out without any assistance from others.
FBI Now Believes New Orleans Terror Suspect Acted Alone After Looking At Other Suspects
FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia addressed concerns over the safety of Bourbon Street in a statement, following initial warnings to visitors to remain vigilant.
Raia explained… pic.twitter.com/agKAP0xzrK
— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 2, 2025
Gilliam’s critique of the FBI’s response to the attack was part of a broader conversation about the agency’s effectiveness in dealing with contemporary security threats.
He pointed out that the FBI’s failure to think “outside the box” in critical situations, such as the New Orleans incident, reflects a deeper issue within the agency’s operational culture.
He also raised concerns that political influences have led to a decline in the quality of personnel and decision-making within the FBI.
As the investigation into Jabbar’s actions continues, many are left questioning whether the FBI, under its current leadership, is prepared to address the evolving threats posed by domestic terrorism and other security challenges.
Gilliam’s remarks highlight ongoing frustrations with the agency’s approach to national security, particularly in light of recent high-profile failures.
Terror attack… ‘We said this was going to happen’ – @CarlHigbie
Carl Higbie recently discussed a terror attack in which an American citizen with a criminal record, driving a truck adorned with an ISIS flag, plowed into a crowd, killing 10 and injuring 36.
In his commentary,… pic.twitter.com/FYUpCdu4w2
— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 2, 2025
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