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The FBI opened approximately 127,000 assessments between 2018 and 2024, with about 1,100 designated as sensitive investigative matters involving religious organizations, journalists, political candidates, public officials and academics. Assessments can be initiated without a factual predicate or evidence of criminal activity.

The FBI opened approximately 127,000 assessments between 2018 and 2024, with about 1,100 designated as sensitive investigative matters involving religious organizations, journalists, political candidates, public officials and academics. Assessments can be initiated without a factual predicate or evidence of criminal activity.

Representatives Jamie Raskin and Nancy Mace requested the Government Accountability Office investigate FBI assessments in 2022, expressing concern that the probes operate as investigations launched without factual predication of criminal wrongdoing and may improperly monitor First Amendment activities.

Representatives Jamie Raskin and Nancy Mace requested the Government Accountability Office investigate FBI assessments in 2022, expressing concern that the probes operate as investigations launched without factual predication of criminal wrongdoing and may improperly monitor First Amendment activities.

Among approximately 1,100 Type I/II assessments with sensitive investigative matter designation, the FBI converted 48 percent into investigations, compared to 14 percent of all Type I/II assessments. Over 500 targeted public officials, over 150 targeted religious organizations and over 100 targeted news media.

Among approximately 1,100 Type I/II assessments with sensitive investigative matter designation, the FBI converted 48 percent into investigations, compared to 14 percent of all Type I/II assessments. Over 500 targeted public officials, over 150 targeted religious organizations and over 100 targeted news media.

The FBI closed roughly 86 percent of Type I/II assessments and 94 percent of Type III assessments without referring them for further investigations. FBI officials told the GAO that many investigative leads prompting assessments are determined not to be credible.

The FBI closed roughly 86 percent of Type I/II assessments and 94 percent of Type III assessments without referring them for further investigations. FBI officials told the GAO that many investigative leads prompting assessments are determined not to be credible.

The GAO found approximately 5 percent of reviewed assessments included insufficient authorized purposes and approximately 7 percent included unauthorized investigative methods. The FBI relies on staff to self-report noncompliance, which likely undercounts actual violations.

The GAO found approximately 5 percent of reviewed assessments included insufficient authorized purposes and approximately 7 percent included unauthorized investigative methods. The FBI relies on staff to self-report noncompliance, which likely undercounts actual violations.

The January 2026 GAO report was designated for official use only and directed recipients to safeguard and destroy it when no longer needed. Authorized investigative methods for assessments include physical surveillance, grand jury subpoenas and confidential human sources without requiring court orders.

The January 2026 GAO report was designated for official use only and directed recipients to safeguard and destroy it when no longer needed. Authorized investigative methods for assessments include physical surveillance, grand jury subpoenas and confidential human sources without requiring court orders.

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Report: FBI violated rules to conduct 1.1K surveillance 'assessments'

FBI Opened 127K Assessments Without Evidence Since 2018

Report: FBI violatedOpened rules127K toAssessments conductWithout 1.1KEvidence surveillanceSince 'assessments'2018

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FBI Opened 127K Assessments Without Evidence Since 2018

Report: FBI violatedOpened rules127K toAssessments conductWithout 1.1KEvidence surveillanceSince 'assessments'2018

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