U.S.

Former FBI Agent Peter Strzok Sues DOJ To Get His Job Back

Peter Strzok, a former FBI agent, says his firing was politically motivated and violated his constitutional rights.

Former FBI Agent Peter Strzok Sues DOJ To Get His Job Back
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Peter Strzok, a former FBI agent, is suing the Justice Department over his firing. 

Strzok was fired in August 2018 for sending text messages to then-FBI lawyer Lisa Page that criticized Donald Trump and other political figures during the 2016 presidential race. 

Strzok's lawyers say his firing was a result of "unrelenting pressure" from President Trump and violated his constitutional rights. In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, they argue he was fired for using "political speech" that's protected under the First Amendment, and that he was denied the ability to appeal the decision, which violates the Fifth Amendment.

They also argue the DOJ illegally released some of his private text messages to news outlets, which violated the Privacy Act. They're fighting to win back Strzok's job, back pay and damages for the released texts.

Last year, DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz released a 500-page report criticizing the department and FBI for how they handled the investigation into Hillary Clinton's email practices. In the report, he said Strzok showed a "biased state of mind" during the investigation.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.