In an unprecedented move, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has assigned a full-time, multi-agency security detail to Deputy Director Dan Bongino, marking the first time in the agency’s history that a second-in-command has received around-the-clock protection. The decision reportedly comes after a series of credible threats were made against Bongino, who has become a high-profile figure in the Bureau’s internal reform efforts.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the security operation, which includes a rotation of up to twenty agents, will provide Bongino with 24-hour protection both at FBI headquarters and during his personal travel. The detail will involve agents drawn from multiple divisions, including the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group and the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to internal memos, the Bureau recently asked field offices to identify volunteers for “temporary duty assignments” to serve as part of Bongino’s protection team. These agents will work in rotating shifts, ensuring continuous coverage in coordination with the FBI’s existing protective operations unit.
A Historic and Controversial Decision
The move has sparked debate within the Bureau and across Washington, as full-time security details are typically reserved for the FBI Director and the U.S. Attorney General. Previous deputy directors — including Paul Abbate, Bongino’s predecessor — were afforded only limited protection, usually consisting of one part-time agent for official events or foreign travel.
“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,” said Frank Figliuzzi, a former senior FBI official, in an interview with NBC News.
While some critics question the necessity of such extensive protection, others say the move reflects the increasingly hostile environment surrounding the FBI’s top leadership. In recent months, Bongino has faced intense scrutiny and threats following his efforts to overhaul internal policies and expose corruption within the Bureau.
Bongino’s Background and Rise to Deputy Director
Dan Bongino, a former New York police officer and longtime U.S. Secret Service agent, was appointed Deputy Director of the FBI earlier this year by Director Kash Patel. Bongino previously served in protective details for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama before retiring from the Secret Service and entering political commentary.
Known for his outspoken views and tough stance on government transparency, Bongino has quickly become one of the most recognizable figures in federal law enforcement. His appointment was widely seen as part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to restore public trust in the FBI, which has faced accusations of political bias in recent years.
Despite his extensive background in personal security, sources close to Bongino say he opted not to carry a firearm in his new role, preferring to rely on his protective detail for safety. “He’s capable of defending himself — there’s no question about that,” said one associate. “But this isn’t about bravado. It’s about setting a standard of professionalism and safety.”
An Institution Under Pressure
Both Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel have vowed to transform what they describe as a “broken institution.” Their leadership team has promised to address issues of internal misconduct, political interference, and declining morale among agents.
In a message posted to X (formerly Twitter), Bongino shared an update on his return to Washington after spending a weekend with his family.
“Headed back to D.C. today after a day at home with my wife and daughter,” Bongino wrote. “As I dive back into work, I want to reassure you that nothing happening here is by accident. Every move we make has a purpose — to clean up this agency and restore faith in the rule of law.”
Bongino’s public comments reflect the broader challenges facing the FBI. The Bureau has been under mounting public and political pressure over its handling of high-profile investigations, including those involving political figures, national security leaks, and corruption cases.
Why the Security Is Needed
While the FBI has not released details about specific threats, officials familiar with the matter said Bongino’s reform initiatives have made him a target. His push to restructure internal oversight divisions and expose what he has called “years of institutional rot” has angered both internal and external adversaries.
“Dan Bongino has disrupted power structures that have existed in Washington for decades,” said one former federal prosecutor. “When you start holding people accountable — even people with badges and high titles — you create enemies.”
In addition to personal threats, intelligence reports have warned of potential dangers to senior law enforcement officials from extremist groups and foreign operatives. Given Bongino’s visibility and role in high-stakes investigations, officials determined that enhanced protection was justified.
Critics Call for Transparency
Despite the security rationale, not everyone agrees with the decision. Some lawmakers have demanded transparency about the cost and necessity of the protection detail. “If there are legitimate threats, the American people deserve to know,” said Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). “But if this is just a political gesture or an ego move, it’s an abuse of taxpayer resources.”
Others have pointed out that similar levels of protection were not afforded to previous deputy directors under comparable circumstances. “It’s a slippery slope,” said one retired FBI executive. “Once you normalize full-time security details for every top official, it becomes a question of who’s next and how far it goes.”
Still, Bongino’s supporters argue that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. “The FBI is under siege — both from external threats and internal corruption,” said a senior Justice Department official. “Protecting the people leading that cleanup isn’t optional. It’s essential.”
Inside the Bongino-Patel Era
Since taking office, Bongino and Patel have launched a sweeping review of FBI operations, including field office procedures, information sharing, and ethics training. They’ve also restructured several divisions to increase accountability, creating an internal audit task force that reports directly to their offices.
Their leadership has not come without controversy. Some career officials have accused them of politicizing the Bureau, while supporters insist they are finally confronting years of bias and misconduct.
In his public posts, Bongino has maintained that his mission is to rebuild confidence in the FBI — not to serve any political agenda. “We don’t work for a party,” he wrote. “We work for the American people. And the people deserve truth, transparency, and justice.”
Looking Ahead
As the FBI implements its new security measures, questions remain about how long the detail will last and whether it signals a permanent change in Bureau policy. Some officials suggest that Bongino’s security could continue indefinitely if the threat level remains elevated.
Meanwhile, Bongino continues his work with Patel on internal reforms, vowing that external pressures and personal risks will not deter him. “You can’t fix corruption by hiding from it,” he said recently in a public appearance. “You have to face it head-on — and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Whether the new security arrangements are seen as necessary or excessive, they underscore the heightened tension surrounding the FBI’s top leadership and the uncertain future of America’s most powerful law enforcement agency.
For Bongino, the mission remains clear: restore integrity to the institution he now helps lead — and stay alive long enough to finish the job