CHICAGO (AP)- The Justice Department ordered the FBI to reinstate a Chicago anti-terrorism agent who had faced possible dismissal for accusing the bureau of not doing enough to prevent the Sept. 11 attacks. The FBI had suspended and was trying to fire Agent Robert G. Wright Jr. for alleged insubordination, unprofessional conduct and talking to the media without bureau approval.
Wright declined to dicuss the circumstances of his reinstatement, but said: "I look forward to going back to my squad. I look forward to doing my job."
FBI spokesman Ed Cogswell in Washington declined to comment.
Wright held a news conference in 2003 during which he referred to FBI's International Terrorism Unit as a "complete joke" and also appeared on a network news program.
The Justice Department concluded his comments didn't warrant firing because Wright didn't profit financially, he expressed contrition and received high job-performance ratings, according to John Vincent, Midwest representative for Judicial Watch, the watchdog group that handled Wright's case.
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For background, see: FBI AGENT ROBERT WRIGHT SAYS FBI AGENTS ASSIGNED TO INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS CONTINUE TO PROTECT TERRORISTS FROM CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS