Group representing FBI agents warns of harm from shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — The association that represents thousands of FBI agents warned Thursday that a partial government shutdown could cause laboratory delays, reduce money for investigations and make it harder to recruit and retain agents.

The FBI Agents Association sent a petition to the White House and congressional leaders encouraging them to fund the FBI immediately. Friday will be the first day that the nearly 13,000 special agents will miss their paychecks.

"This is not about politics for special agents. For special agents, financial security is national security," Tom O'Connor, the association's president, told reporters in a conference call.