
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is raising alarms over what he describes as an “unprecedented hack” of sensitive FBI information, exposing months of call and text logs between agents and confidential informants. The breach, reported last Thursday, is believed to have stemmed from a prior cyberattack on AT&T’s public safety network, compromising all FBI devices using the service.
In a letter to outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray, Schmitt criticized the bureau’s security failures, warning that the exposure could discourage informants from cooperating in the future. He demanded a full investigation and significant operational reforms at 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 also condemned the Biden administration for its mishandling of national security, citing past incidents like the Mar-a-Lago raid and the administration’s targeting of Catholics as “extremists.” He urged swift Senate confirmation of Kash Patel, who has pledged to address government misconduct and “lawfare” tactics.
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
This breach adds to growing concerns over cybersecurity lapses within federal agencies. AT&T previously confirmed that hackers accessed data from over 109 million accounts in 2022, including FBI communication logs. While content wasn’t exposed, the metadata could reveal the identities of covert sources, posing a severe risk to national security.
@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 acknowledged its duty to protect informants and stated it is working to mitigate the breach’s impact. However, critics like Schmitt argue these actions fall short, emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes accountability and transparency.