House Judiciary Committee Subpoenas FBI Director Over ‘Chilling’ Memo Regarding Churches

The House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed FBI Director Robert Mueller regarding a memo on the agency’s website that outlines how agents should investigate “domestic terrorism threats” posed by certain religious groups. The memo, which was widely criticized by civil liberties groups, has been described by some as “chilling.”

The memo, titled “Religious Origination Threats to the Homeland,” was released in 2009 and remains on the FBI’s website. It raises concerns about “vulnerable religious and ethnic communities” that could be targeted for violence by extremists. However, civil liberties and religious groups say the memo goes too far in listing certain religious beliefs and organizations as potential threats.

The memo specifically cites “black separatist groups,” “Christian identity extremists,” and “anti-government militias” as being potential sources of domestic terrorism. However, civil liberties groups say that the memo is overly broad and could be used to target individuals and groups based on their religious beliefs or political views.

In response to the controversy surrounding the memo, the House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed Robert Mueller to testify about how the memo was developed and how it is being used by the FBI. The committee’s chairman, John Conyers, has described the memo as “chilling” and has expressed concern that it could be used to violate the civil rights of American citizens.

In a statement, Conyers said, “Americans have the right to practice their religion and express their political views without fear of being targeted by law enforcement. This memo appears to go against those fundamental freedoms, and we need answers about how it was developed and how it is being used.”

The subpoena comes as part of a broader effort by the House Judiciary Committee to investigate how law enforcement agencies are conducting surveillance and gathering intelligence on American citizens. The committee has previously held hearings on the use of cell phone data by law enforcement agencies and has raised concerns about the use of facial recognition technology in law enforcement.

The FBI has not yet responded to the subpoena, but civil liberties and religious groups are hopeful that the House Judiciary Committee’s investigation will lead to greater transparency and accountability regarding the agency’s investigative practices.