The FBI is establishing a multi-agency security team to provide round-the-clock protection for Deputy Director Dan Bongino, including at the agency’s headquarters.
Bongino will be the first deputy director to receive such a security detail, which may require up to 20 agents, as reported. Recently, the FBI reached out to its agents, seeking volunteers willing to temporarily step away from their regular duties to ensure Bongino’s safety as part of a ‘temporary duty assignment,’ allowing for a rotation of different agents.
The report indicates that Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and New York police officer, has the capability to carry a firearm but has opted not to do so, preferring the security detail instead.
In contrast, the previous deputy director, Paul Abbate, was accompanied by a single part-time agent during his various engagements. The investigation revealed that Abbate only shared comprehensive details regarding his international trips.
“The real issue is the level of risk and threat involved, or is it merely a request for a detail? This concerns taxpayer funds,” stated former senior FBI official Frank Figliuzzi in an interview with NBC News.
According to the report, comprehensive security information is typically reserved for the FBI Director and the U.S. Attorney General. FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino have committed to reforming what they describe as a dysfunctional organization.
On Sunday evening, Bongino utilized X, previously known as Twitter, to share insights regarding the FBI and potential future developments. He stated, ‘I am returning to Washington, D.C. today after spending a day with my wife and daughter. As I resume my duties, I want to assure you that everything occurring here is intentional.
Due to the sensitive nature of the FBI’s work, both the Director and I must be cautious about what we disclose publicly. The wrong individuals also have access to this information. Neither of us is here to engage in trivial matters,’ Bongino expressed.
Evaluate us based on outcomes. You will observe them. However, the absence of immediate visible results does not imply that progress is not being made. In conclusion, I must emphasize that not every outcome will satisfy everyone; that would be mere appeasement, not true leadership. Addressing complex issues necessitates careful attention and a commitment to reform in order to achieve sustainable change. Otherwise, one is merely applying a temporary fix to a significant problem. Let us approach this correctly. May God bless America and all those who protect her, he concluded.
In a subsequent tweet, Bognino stated, “I would like to emphasize this: Your remarks and critiques are not only appreciated but also beneficial. Our service is to you, the American populace. Your insights are of great importance. I only request that you take into account the following considerations regarding your feedback. When an event occurs and the complete narrative is not disclosed, along with the underlying facts being unavailable, it may seem contradictory to our reform objectives.”
I assure you, this is not a mere coincidence. Consider the reasons behind my agreement to such an arrangement. Is it driven by a pursuit of wealth, fame, influence, or aspirations to become a lobbyist? If this seems absurd, it is because it truly is,
Upon signing up, I understood that I would not be able to provide complete explanations for certain decisions we make, owing to legal and ethical limitations. However, I accepted this reality when I took my oath. Ultimately, I recognize that requesting your trust may be futile. Instead, observe the developments, persist in seeking results, remain vigilant against misleading narratives, allow time to clarify the situation, and the rationale behind our actions will become apparent. I acknowledge your concerns and appreciate your feedback. Thank you for your time,
