FBI officials have reassigned multiple agents who were pictured kneeling alongside protesters five years ago during nationwide racial justice protests that followed the death of George Floyd.

The agents were in Washington DC and were tasked with guarding several federal monuments and buildings. When they were confronted by protesters, they decided to kneel alongside them, reflecting apparent solidarity with the protesters and claims that police brutality is a major issue.

Trump administration officials have since reassigned the FBI agents photographed kneeling with the protesters to less desirable positions generally viewed within the agency as demotions.

Former Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, said two years ago that some of the agents had received “plum personnel opportunities and promotions and advancements” from the FBI. The lawmaker also remarked that “many FBI personnel we were trusting to be on the front lines were photographed kneeling in surrender to people who at times were violent.”

At least four of the kneelers, who had senior roles in counterterrorism, cyber crimes, and counterintelligence, were reassigned. FBI officials declined to offer a reason for the demotions.

President Donald Trump has previously vowed to address corruption and weaponization within federal law enforcement, especially with respect to the targeting of conservatives and a failure to prosecute those on the political left under the administration of former President Joe Biden.