WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)-In a swift development highlighting tensions within the Federal Bureau of Investigation under new leadership, an FBI security specialist was escorted out of FBI headquarters this morning and handed a termination letter. The action came hours after undercover footage released by the O'Keefe Media Group (OMG) captured the official making disparaging remarks about FBI Director Kash Patel and expressing skepticism about potential prosecutions in ongoing fraud investigations.
The individual, identified in reports as Justin Devine, a security specialist with the Bureau, was recorded in conversation with an undercover OMG operative. In the hidden-camera video, Devine allegedly referred to Director Patel -- a recent appointee under the Trump administration -- as a "diva" and claimed he was "not good at his job" and "just wasn't ready." He further expressed doubt regarding accountability in high-profile fraud cases, specifically referencing investigative reporting by journalist Nick Shirley on alleged widespread fraud involving daycare centers in Minnesota.
"I don't think anybody is going to prison," Devine reportedly said in relation to the daycare fraud allegations. He suggested that such financial crime investigations often drag on for years, potentially outlasting the current administration, and that authorities might ultimately "point somebody" as a fall guy rather than pursue broad prosecutions. The comments appeared to downplay the prospects of arrests stemming from Shirley's exposés, which have spotlighted claims of massive misuse of federal funds in Somali-run childcare programs in Minneapolis.
The sting operation is part of a series by O'Keefe Media Group, which has previously released similar undercover recordings purporting to show FBI and DOJ officials expressing doubts about pursuing certain cases aggressively. James O'Keefe announced the termination update on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "FBI security official was escorted out of the building this morning and handed his termination letter after we recorded him calling Kash Patel a 'diva,' and saying 'I don't think anybody is going to prison' in regards to @nickshirleyy daycare reporting."
Shirley's reporting, which gained significant attention in late 2025, involved on-the-ground visits to daycare facilities and claims of irregularities in federal reimbursements. The allegations prompted increased federal scrutiny, including from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, amid broader concerns over fraud in Minnesota's child care and nutrition programs.
The rapid termination underscores the incoming FBI leadership's apparent zero-tolerance approach to perceived disloyalty or undermining of priorities. Director Patel, known for his focus on rooting out internal resistance and prioritizing high-impact investigations, has overseen personnel changes aimed at addressing what supporters call "deep state" holdovers.
Critics of the sting operation have questioned the context of the recorded conversation, noting that Devine's role as a security specialist may not position him to speak authoritatively on investigative outcomes. The FBI has not issued a detailed public statement on the termination at the time of this report, though sources indicate the decision followed internal review of the video.
This incident adds to the ongoing narrative of transition and reform at the FBI, as Director Patel works to implement changes amid high-profile cases and public scrutiny. O'Keefe Media Group described the event as evidence of systemic issues, stating it marks the seventh such admission captured in their recent efforts.
Further developments in the Minnesota fraud probes and any additional personnel actions will likely continue to draw attention as the administration advances its agenda on government accountability.