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The Justice Department's inquiry into a retired FBI agent's role in the Alex Jones defamation lawsuit stemming from the Sandy Hook shooting has been dropped. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche ordered the withdrawal of the inquiry, initiated by Ed Martin Jr. of the department's "weaponization working group." The inquiry, which suggested the agent, William Aldenberg, violated federal law by benefiting from the lawsuit, caused internal frustrations. Martin's letter was withdrawn after objections from the Sandy Hook families' lawyer and public criticism. Alex Jones, who promoted false conspiracy theories about the shooting, had accused Democrats and Justice Department officials of orchestrating the lawsuit against him.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.