FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced on Saturday that the Bureau will begin releasing previously classified information, including cases that many Americans believe were hidden for various reasons. This move is intended to provide transparency and satisfy public interest in these issues. Bongino shared the news on X, stating that the FBI is now cooperating with Congress and the public by supplying long-requested details. Among the cases highlighted were the attempted assassination of Rep. Steve Scalise, the Nashville Christian school shooting, the “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation, and the origins and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation refers to the FBI’s probe into allegations that President Donald Trump colluded with Russia during the 2016 election, a theory that was later proven to be unsubstantiated. Bongino also mentioned that the FBI was actively working with the Department of Justice on the high-profile Jeffrey Epstein case, which involves child sexual abuse material. The FBI is handling a significant volume of evidence and victim statements, all of which require careful processing and confidentiality. Bongino expressed his understanding of the public’s desire for more information but emphasized the need to handle the cases with care.

In response to the growing demand for transparency, the FBI is also taking steps to ensure Bongino’s safety. A special multi-agency security team has been formed to provide around-the-clock protection, including while he is at the FBI headquarters. This move comes after a request was made to FBI agents for volunteers to temporarily leave their current roles and join the security detail for Bongino. According to anonymous sources, the detail will involve rotating shifts with agents serving for a 30-day period. This arrangement highlights the priority placed on his safety, although it raises questions about the allocation of FBI resources.

The request for security support is unusual, as typically, only the FBI Director has a full-time protection detail. Previous Deputy Director Paul Abbate, for example, had a part-time security detail and only received full protection when traveling abroad. The decision to assign a dedicated security team to Bongino, particularly within the secure confines of FBI headquarters, marks a significant shift in the Bureau’s security protocols. It’s understood that the decision would require approval from high-ranking officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The creation of a security team for Bongino has sparked some internal discussions, especially considering Patel’s emphasis on reallocating resources to combat crime in the field. While the FBI is increasing its presence in critical areas, such as combating domestic terrorism and other security threats, the need for a full security team to protect Bongino within the agency’s headquarters remains unclear.

Bongino’s choice to rely on a security detail rather than carry a weapon himself also raises some questions. Although he may be qualified to carry a firearm, he has opted for a professional security team instead. This may be due to the nature of his work and the sensitive information he is now handling.

This situation underscores the delicate balance the FBI must maintain between safeguarding its personnel, ensuring transparency, and addressing public concerns. Bongino’s actions to release sensitive information reflect a larger push for accountability within federal institutions. By beginning to address public demands for greater transparency, the FBI is taking steps to rebuild trust, but the move also invites closer scrutiny of the Bureau’s handling of various high-profile cases and its internal security protocols.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the FBI will navigate these challenges. The Bureau’s efforts to balance security, transparency, and effective law enforcement will likely remain a topic of public discussion, especially as new information becomes available. For now, Bongino’s commitment to sharing long-requested information signals a new phase in the relationship between the FBI, Congress, and the public.