How can I request FBI records or reports under the Freedom of Information Act for Tom Human?
Executive summary
You can file an FBI FOIA/FOIPA request online via the FBI’s eFOIA/eFOIPA portal or the paper request routes and can ask for expedited processing and fee waivers; the FBI explains procedures and a requester help line on its FOIA pages [1] [2]. Multiple advocacy groups and lawmakers have already used FOIA and litigation to seek a reportedly recorded September 2024 meeting in which Tom Homan allegedly accepted $50,000 from undercover agents; Democracy Forward sued after DOJ/FBI did not comply with its FOIA request and court action is ongoing [3] [4].
1. How to submit a request to the FBI — the practical steps
File through the FBI’s eFOIA/eFOIPA system (the online eFOIA form is available on the FBI site) or mail a signed written request following FBI instructions; the FBI’s “Requesting FBI Records” page gives the eFOIPA option, guidance on identity certification (DOJ‑361 for Privacy Act requests), the FOIA Requester Service Center phone line (540‑868‑1535), and directions on stating fees and fee limits [1] [2]. The FBI’s general FOIA portal and the Vault may already hold responsive records, so check those before filing [2] [5].
2. What to ask for when your subject is Tom Homan
Be specific: identify the subject (Tom Homan), the time frame (for example, September 2024 to present), the types of records sought (investigative files, audio/video recordings, photographs, interview reports, memoranda, closing memoranda), and any unique identifiers (locations, names of field offices). Democracy Forward sought a recording reportedly capturing Homan accepting $50,000 from undercover agents and asked for expedited processing and release of non‑exempt portions, which is the template for targeted requests [3] [4].
3. Expedited processing, fee waivers and appeals — what the FBI says
The FBI’s guidance explains how to request expedited processing and fee waivers and tells requesters to state the basis for expedition (e.g., urgency to inform the public or alleged wrongdoing). If the FBI denies or delays, you may administratively appeal, and you can seek dispute resolution via the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS); the FBI page and FOIA.gov outline these remedies [1] [2] [6].
4. What to expect: exemptions and likely redactions
FOIA contains nine statutory exemptions (including law enforcement and privacy) that agencies use to withhold or redact records; DOJ and FBI statements closing the Homan probe asserted “no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing,” but those determinations do not prevent release of non‑exempt materials — litigation has sought precisely that release [3] [4]. Expect the FBI to review law enforcement‑sensitive material for redactions, and be prepared for partial disclosures or litigation if critical items are withheld [4] [3].
5. Litigation and congressional pressure surrounding the Homan records
Advocacy groups and lawmakers have already litigated and formally demanded release: Democracy Forward sued DOJ/FBI after FOIA requests for the alleged recording were not satisfied, and House Judiciary Democrats publicly demanded all audio/video/photographs of Homan receiving $50,000 [4] [7]. That shows FOIA can lead to court orders but also that political pressure and litigation are often necessary when release is resisted [3] [7].
6. Sources, transparency strategies, and pitfalls to avoid
Use the FBI’s eFOIA form (available on the FBI site) and cite the specific records you want; check the Vault and FOIA.gov for already released material before filing to avoid duplicative requests [8] [5] [6]. Beware vague requests: agencies process precise requests faster and are more likely to locate responsive records [1]. If your goal is the reported September 2024 recording, state that explicitly and request expedited processing as Democracy Forward did [3].
7. Competing perspectives and how they matter to your request
Advocates and congressional Democrats argue the public interest is high and have pursued FOIA and lawsuits to force disclosure [7] [3]. DOJ and FBI officials (per agency statements) reported closing the investigation and saying they found “no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing,” which the agencies cite when assessing release and exemptions; both positions appear in the record and will affect how much material is released or redacted [4] [3].
Limitations: available sources do not include the current status of any individual, newly filed FOIA by a private requester beyond Democracy Forward’s suit, nor do they provide a copy of any released recording — those facts are not found in current reporting [3] [4]. Use the FBI’s FOIA contact info and forms as your starting point; litigation and congressional requests show the pathway for contested, high‑profile disclosures [1] [4] [7].