News Summary
The FBI has terminated Spencer Evans, the Special Agent in Charge of the Las Vegas field office, amid ongoing disputes related to COVID-19 policies. Attorney Mark Zaid denotes the dismissal as part of a purge against officials adhering to these protocols, marking a significant change in the agency’s personnel management. Evans had dedicated 21 years to the FBI and was heavily involved in high-profile investigations during his tenure. The ongoing internal reorganization within the FBI raises concerns about political motivations linked to the termination.
Las Vegas
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has officially terminated Spencer Evans, the former Special Agent in Charge of the Las Vegas field office, following a legal dispute surrounding the agency’s COVID-19 policies. This significant development has drawn attention to ongoing changes within the FBI, particularly in regard to personnel management amid accusations of retaliation linked to the shift in administration in January 2025.
Attorney Mark Zaid, representing Evans, argued that his client was “summarily fired” without due process by FBI Director Kash Patel for following the Justice Department’s COVID-19 guidelines. Zaid characterized the termination as part of a larger “purge” of committed FBI officials, marking it as a “disgraceful moment in history” for the agency.
Evans, who had dedicated 21 years to the FBI, was appointed as the head of the Las Vegas office in 2022. During his tenure, he was involved in several high-profile investigations, including a notable incident involving an explosion at the Cybertruck at the Trump International Hotel on January 1. His career trajectory at the FBI included serving as the deputy assistant director in human resources at the FBI Headquarters before leading the Las Vegas office.
Termination Details
After experiencing fluctuating employment statuses and brief periods of reinstatement, Evans’s official departure from the Las Vegas office was finalized in July. Following his termination, Jeremy Schwartz was appointed as the acting special agent in charge of the Las Vegas office. The field office, which plays a crucial role in federal law enforcement across several counties in southern Nevada, is currently undergoing significant reorganization, with many senior officials either reassigned or dismissed.
COVID-19 Policy Dispute
Evans’s adherence to COVID-19 protocols, as instructed by the Department of Justice, is at the forefront of the dispute leading to his dismissal. Zaid emphasized that Evans’s actions were consistent with official guidelines, suggesting that the termination was not genuinely based on misconduct but rather a consequence of a changing political landscape and agency policies. However, the FBI has refrained from commenting on the specifics of Evans’s termination, stating that it does not discuss personnel matters.
Background Context
The FBI has reportedly been experiencing a significant overhaul, aligning with allegations from various quarters pointing towards a retaliation pattern against officials who adhere to established protocols post the Trump administration transitions. Evans had previously contested claims regarding his employment status, maintaining that he was still in his position as of February, despite reports stating otherwise.
Mark Zaid’s legal practice specializes in advocating for federal employees, intelligence officers, and whistleblowers facing grievances against U.S. government agencies, underscoring the complex legal landscapes surrounding federal employment and the implications of policy adherence during turbulent political periods.
The situation surrounding Evans’s termination remains unclear, as the FBI’s typical response to such employment inquiries tends to be a refusal to comment. The ongoing internal reorganization, compounded by public scrutiny and rising concerns about the agency’s commitment to its personnel, suggests that this issue may well extend beyond just Evans’s case, reflecting broader trends within the bureau.
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Additional Resources
- 8 News Now
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- KTNV Las Vegas
- NBC News
- State Journal-Register
- Wikipedia: Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Google Search: FBI termination Spencer Evans
- Google Scholar: FBI termination Spencer Evans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: FBI
- Google News: FBI Las Vegas
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
