History

The “Family Jewels” Collection (CIA)

The CIA's "Family Jewels" is a compilation of documents that expose a series of controversial and often illicit activities conducted…

May 29, 2024

The FBI’s Pre-Processed List of Previously Released Files

Background When Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are processed by the FBI, they will sometimes send CD's (or printed…

May 8, 2024

FBI Public Access Line (PAL) Manuals

This FOIA release reveals details about the FBI's Public Access Line (PAL) policies and procedures. These documents offer a procedural insight…

May 3, 2024

Newly Released 1963 Report Sheds Light on Nuclear Era Urban Defense Strategies

After nearly a decade of waiting, The Black Vault has successfully acquired a document through a Freedom of Information Act…

April 12, 2024

Final Report on the External Peer Review of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Office of Inspector General, Audit Staff (2107-0022-AS)

These records were provided by the family of anthologist and transparency activist Russ Kick, from his papers, facilitated by the generous…

April 9, 2024

Declassified FBI Cyber Threat Assessment Illuminates 2008 Digital Dangers

After a seven-year effort to obtain information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR),…

April 5, 2024

Former FBI Director James Comey Emails With Keyword: Trump

In March of 2018, The Black Vault filed a FOIA request (case 1401549-000) to the FBI for the following: "...…

April 3, 2024

FBI Files: Directors, Agents and Personnel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Background The following are FBI files of prominent FBI figures and agents. Many of the files are broken into different…

March 27, 2024

FBI High Visibility Memoranda

Background An FBI High Visibility Memorandum is an internal document used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to communicate…

March 27, 2024

Lessons Learned: The ATF’s Raid on the Waco Branch Davidian Compound

In February 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a raid on the Waco Branch Davidian…

March 13, 2024