
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is calling for significant reforms at the FBI following a major data breach that revealed sensitive call and text records between agents and confidential informants. The breach has been linked to a prior cyberattack on AT&T’s public safety network.
In a letter sent to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Schmitt condemned the bureau for its failure to protect critical communications. He warned that the breach could endanger informants and compromise future cooperation with the FBI.
🚨Yesterday, there was an unprecedented hack of sensitive FBI information that compromises the Bureau’s ability to do its job and keep Americans safe. We must confirm @Kash_Patel and begin the much needed reform of the Bureau. My letter to the FBI below. pic.twitter.com/9VyvqkOnwS
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) January 17, 2025
💥GOP Senator Sounds Alarm💥
FBI Hit with 'Unprecedented Hack' Your Data at Risk?"Attention all!
A GOP Senator has just blown the whistle on what could be one of the largest breaches in FBI history. Sensitive files, possibly including your personal information, might be… pic.twitter.com/LwepIruBMk— ProperlyRebel (@ProperlyRebel) January 18, 2025
Schmitt further criticized the Biden administration’s handling of cybersecurity, accusing it of neglecting essential security measures. He pointed to the FBI’s politically charged actions, such as the raid on President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, as evidence of poor leadership priorities.
FBI agents’ calls and texts exposed in AT&T hack sparking espionage fears as ‘sensitive’ info and informants are leaked #FBI #AT&Thttps://t.co/Isb4vDBM3I
— Pauline Bieniek (@BieniekPauline) January 18, 2025
I wonder if any sensitive files that could be used to hold FBI personnel accountable for partisan or illegal practices disappeared during this apparent hack. https://t.co/VtewWfOqJZ
— Fingers Mcknee (@FingersMcknee) January 18, 2025
The Missouri senator called for the urgent confirmation of Kash Patel, who has vowed to eliminate corruption and mismanagement within federal agencies. Schmitt believes Patel’s leadership is necessary to restore trust and improve security across government institutions.
@FBI not hard to hack yourself with all the passwords
— Crocker🔰 (@DJcrocker) January 17, 2025
The FBI can hack your home computer "lawfully".
This is a start.
Where does it end?
Are you okay with Elon snooping around your laptop if Kush okays it?https://t.co/VyxzL5xpxB
— Roy.G.Biv (@Roy_G_Biv_3rd) January 17, 2025
The FBI admitted to the breach and stated that steps are being taken to safeguard sensitive information. The agency is conducting an internal review to uncover how the breach occurred and to strengthen cybersecurity defenses.
AT&T, whose compromised network facilitated the breach, is working closely with federal authorities. The company had previously reported a significant data breach in 2022, which exposed millions of records and raised concerns about private sector cybersecurity risks impacting government operations.