OMG. Do you really think that was the case? If so, we have a government that has run amok. It is one thing to approve an unprecedented, historic, and invasive search of the home of a former President of the United States and then to compound the grievous decision by allowing "lower levels" to make life and death decisions.
The decision to conduct an armed raid of MAL was made at the highest levels of the USG. Although AG Garland says he made the decision, it is clear to me that there was WH involvement. There had to be detailed planning including ROE if confronted by the USSS. Those detailed plans had to be cleared by the highest levels of government. If not, then we are truly f*cked. We have a rogue FBI accoutable to no one.
I think Ike knew what he was talking about in his farewell address.
While I don’t believe in one coherent conspiracy, we do have “rogue” bureaucrats that do what will benefit themselves and shifting groups of elites.
I think they would have only approved the final plans if they looked deliverable, but putting forward the preliminary ok by authorizing deadly force allows plans to be developed and put in place if the opportunity arises.