Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is demanding immediate answers after a major cybersecurity breach compromised sensitive FBI communications. The hack, reportedly tied to a previous cyberattack on AT&T’s public safety network, exposed months of call and text records between FBI agents and their confidential informants.
In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Schmitt criticized the agency for failing to safeguard critical information. He warned that this lapse could severely damage trust between the FBI and its sources, putting future investigations and national security at risk.
🚨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 pointed to the Biden administration’s failure to prioritize cybersecurity, accusing federal agencies of focusing on political agendas over public safety. He referenced the controversial FBI raid on President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home as an example of misplaced 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
To address these ongoing security failures, Schmitt urged the Senate to fast-track the confirmation of Kash Patel. Patel has publicly pledged to root out corruption and restore accountability in federal agencies, a move Schmitt believes is vital to prevent future breaches.
@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 the incident and confirmed that it is taking steps to protect impacted informants. An internal investigation is ongoing to determine how the breach occurred and how to prevent similar incidents moving forward.
AT&T, whose compromised system enabled the breach, is cooperating with law enforcement agencies. The telecom giant previously suffered a massive data breach in 2022, exposing records from over 109 million accounts and highlighting ongoing cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
