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An experienced FBI analyst has filed legal action stating his dismissed on account of having an LGBTQ+ banner at his office space.

As per the plaintiff, who worked with the bureau since 2009, the termination in the past months was “unconstitutional and politically motivated”.

Court Action Claims Free Speech Violations

The complaint states that the FBI infringed upon the employee’s constitutional rights and initiated punitive steps in his case due to expressing legally safeguarded speech.

The plaintiff is requesting a legal ruling to restore his position with the FBI.

Details from the Complaint

The 18-page lawsuit, lodged in federal court in the nation’s capital, claims that the plaintiff was terminated from his training recently over previously showing the banner on his desk.

According to the filing, the Pride flag was presented to the plaintiff to acknowledge his work to support the bureau’s diversity initiatives.

Since childhood, all I have wanted to do was to serve my country and protect the nation’s safety beside the brilliant and dedicated individuals at the agency,” stated the plaintiff.

He continued, I exhibited that symbol – which once was displayed at a federal building – not for political reasons, but as a symbol of acceptance, solidarity and impartial service.

These ideals that once made the FBI strong. Currently it stands as where people like me face discrimination. I think I was terminated not due to my identity, but rather because of what I represent: a proud gay man,” he said.

Unexpected Dismissal Just ahead of Finish

Earlier this year, the plaintiff was enrolled in the federal agent training program in Virginia, before his “sudden termination only weeks prior to graduation”.

The complaint further alleges that later after the presidential inauguration, another employee raised a complaint to the overseeing official concerning the display of the rainbow banner.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the plaintiff asked that the Chief Division Counsel for the local bureau examine if the exhibition of the symbol was permissible,” the document stated.

It added, The legal officer informed Maltinsky that showing of the flag did not violate any policy, rule, or regulation.”

Notice of Termination

Despite this, in early October, the plaintiff was notified of his firing.

In a letter referenced in the filing, bureau chief the official stated, I have concluded that you demonstrated poor judgment with the presence of a political symbol at your workstation while previously assigned in Los Angeles.

Under Article II of the Constitution, and statutes of the United States, your position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation is hereby terminated.”

Lawyer Remarks

In a statement issued recently, his legal representative his counsel said, “This administration’s unlawfully firing him is part of a broader effort to rid government departments of staff who may have divergent opinions, or represent underrepresented communities, or those who oppose bias.

His case is not only for him, but about securing the liberties and protections of all federal employees.”

Agency Response

The bureau did not provide a statement regarding the case.

Similar Lawsuits

This legal action is subsequent to a separate case submitted earlier by three former top agency personnel who said they had been wrongfully terminated.

They stated that the director claimed he was instructed by the White House to terminate any employee associated with a probe regarding the former president.

At the same time, the FBI dismissed a nearly three-decade veteran earlier this month subsequent to the official allegedly grew upset over news that the bureau chief used a government jet to go to a match during which his partner sang the anthem.

The official, an agency staffer since 1998, was fired from leading the bureau’s emergency unit, that handles significant risks and the bureau’s aircraft.