The FBI is putting up a multi-agency security team to safeguard Deputy Director Dan Bongino 24 hours a day, including within agency headquarters.
Bongino would be the first deputy director to have such a detail, which may need up to 20 agents, according to the article. Last week, the FBI sent a canvas to agents, asking for volunteers to take time off from their regular responsibilities to protect Bongino as part of a “temporary duty assignment,” which meant that various sets of agents would rotate.
According to the story, Bongino is a former Secret Service agent and New York police officer who could carry a pistol but chose not to due to his preference for detail.
In contrast, the former deputy director, Paul Abbate, had one part-time agent who accompanied him to various engagements. According to the investigation, Abbate only provided detailed information about his trips abroad.
“The question is, what is the actual risk and threat here, or does he just want a detail? This is taxpayer money we’re talking about,” former senior FBI official Frank Figliuzzi told NBC News.
Full security details are generally saved for the FBI director and U.S. attorney general, according to the report.
FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino have promised to bring change to what they have called a broken institution.
Bongino took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday night to provide an update on the FBI and what might be coming next.
“Headed back to DC today after spending a day back home with my wife and daughter. As I dive back into work, I want to reassure you that nothing that is happening here is happening by accident. Because of the sensitivity of what the FBI deals with, both the Director and I have to be circumspect in what we can make public. Bad guys read this stuff too. Neither one of us came here to play games,” Bongino wrote.
“Measure us by results. You will see them. But just because you don’t see something happening right this second, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. I’ll conclude by stating that not every result is going to please everyone. That’s just pandering, it’s not leadership. Complex problems require diligence and a reform-oriented process to create lasting changes. Or else you’re simply putting a bandage on a gushing wound. Let’s do it right. God bless America, and all those who defend Her,” he added.
In a second tweet, Bognino
