The FBI was born with a lie (the supposed “crime wave” of the 1930s), and has always been a lawless, political operation.
I’m sure there are excellent, dedicated FBI agents. But I don’t think too many of them have ever been in charge of anything.
) I believe you are on the mark.
I have met a number of FBI agents. They are high grade, dedicated, professionals, for the most part.
But the FBI has always been very political. They have not been all that concerned with the Bill of Rights, when politics were involved.
In political cases (including any case with significant media involvement), they have always put the FBI reputation ahead of "rights" and the rule of law.
The tone is set from above.
“We are the good guys, therefore whatever we do to get the bad guys is justified.”
Not good.