Statement of Johnathan C. Buma
Former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Whistleblower
After 16 years of dedicated service as an FBI Special Agent—protecting both the civil liberties enshrined in our Constitution and the national security of the United States—I was suspended without pay for 16 months, forbidden from seeking outside employment, and subjected to relentless retaliation. I ultimately resigned in protest, not because I abandoned my oath, but because the FBI abandoned its own principles. I sought only to return to work, rebuild my life, and advocate for the protection of whistleblowers who risk everything to stand for truth and justice.
Less than 24 hours after submitting my formal resignation, the FBI arrested me in the most shameful and retaliatory fashion—on March 18, 2025, at JFK Airport. I was preparing to board an international flight I had properly reported to the Bureau nearly a month earlier, on February 20, 2025, per policy. No indictment had been issued, no arrest warrant was presented, and the agents who detained me refused to show credentials. I was effectively abducted by what had once been my own agency, based stale allegations that are physically impossible to be true, and the affidavit was publicly posted with intent to assassinate my character, which many people fell for as the truth and piled on in slanderous social media posts not knowing anything about what really happened or anything about me and what I stand against - political bias within the Bureau’s management. These attacks on me were exactly what my tormentors in FBI management I tended. I believe we’re better than this as a nation and do not have to fall for this ridiculous disinformation campaign aimed at marginalizing my well backed up claims.
Despite the fact that my memoir was still in draft form—and not yet submitted for review through the DOJ’s publication clearance process—the FBI moved to criminalize my unfinished manuscript. Their premature action destroyed a potential book deal and limited my travel to California and Utah, preventing me from attending press engagements in other states, by design.
Rather than wait for me to submit my completed manuscript for review—as I fully intended—they acted out of fear. Their goal was to “catch and kill” my story, silence my disclosures, and assassinate my character before the truth could emerge. But in doing so, they confirmed the very abuse of power I have been trying to expose. Soon, I’ll have my chance to tell the American People the truth, legally, and I’m sure they are more curious than ever to know what is in my memoir that they are so afraid of. Of course I will properly submit my memoir draft to DOJ Press office for their rightful review, as I have always intended and anyone close to me can confirm that and also in historical writings. They just need to hold their horses on trying to prosecute me for simply writing a DRAFT of what I remember about my own experience, which they will promptly redact and block anyways I suspect. If they never allow my book to be published, instead abusing the powers of state censorship using these catch and kill media operations and legal redactions, then at least it was therapeutic for me to draft it:)
Their treatment of me has sent a chilling message: that no legitimate whistleblower will be tolerated.This perversion of justice should alarm every citizen. If they can do this to me—an award-winning counterintelligence agent, FBI adjunct faculty instructor, and one of their own—then no one is safe. My example shows the danger faced by ordinary Americans who might cross paths with corrupt officials wielding unchecked power.
As of today, nearly 300 individuals have signed a petition in support of me—echoing the symbolic defiance of the 300 Spartans who stood against overwhelming tyranny. I encourage all who care about the Constitution to speak out.
The FBI was once a great institution—an embodiment of blind justice and accountability. I sacrificed my career, reputation, finances, and family life to defend it from internal decay. I acted as bait to expose the fifth column within, hoping to spark reform. Instead, I now watch from the outside, heartbroken, as good agents and honest prosecutors resign in protest.
The weaponized affidavit, false public narrative, and retaliatory arrest mark a tragic turning point. In seeking to destroy me, the FBI has only exposed its own loss of moral compass. But I remain undeterred. I will finish my memoir. I will tell the truth. And the truth will prevail.
My friend Max has created several powerful videos documenting what has been done to me—and warning what could be done to others if this abuse of power continues.
The Trap:
Tue Arrest: