James Dennehy, head of the FBI’s New York field office, has announced his retirement after being directed to step down without explanation.
His departure follows internal tensions within the bureau, particularly over the Justice Department’s demand for a list of FBI agents involved in the January 6 Capitol riot investigations. The directive has raised fears of widespread dismissals.
Dennehy, a retired Marine, was one of the officials who resisted the Justice Department’s request. Reports indicate that he was prepared to fight back against what he saw as political interference. In a message to colleagues, he said, “I will never stop defending this joint. I’ll just do it willingly and proudly from outside the wire.”
His exit comes amid leadership changes at the FBI. Kash Patel, a close ally of President Donald Trump, recently took over as FBI Director, while conservative commentator Dan Bongino was named Deputy Director.

Who is James Dennehy?
James Dennehy had a long career with the FBI, beginning in 2002 as a special agent in the New York field office, focusing on counterintelligence. He later held key positions at FBI headquarters in Washington, including section chief and chief of staff in the national security branch. He also led counterintelligence and cyber operations in New York before heading the Newark field office.
Dennehy was appointed to lead the FBI’s New York field office, one of the agency’s most high-profile divisions, in September 2024 by then-FBI Director Christopher Wray.
In his farewell message, Dennehy emphasised the importance of the FBI’s independence, writing, “We will not bend. We will not falter. We will not sacrifice what is right for anything or anyone.”