Bongino details FBI's focus on threats and accountability during interview

In a recent interview on "Hannity," Dan Bongino shared insights into the FBI's focus on threats to national security and the accountability of former agency leaders.

According to the Daily Fetched, Bongino highlighted the agency's dedication to preventing terrorism in major U.S. cities while investigating the origins of COVID-19 and handling past FBI leadership decisions.

During his conversation with Hannity, the former Secret Service agent-turned-commentator elaborated on the FBI's strategic priorities. He emphasized that the primary goal is to avert large-scale terrorist attacks in cities like New York, D.C., and Los Angeles. Additionally, Bongino emphasized the importance of addressing the threats posed by cyberattacks and foreign intelligence infiltration.

Integrated Efforts on National Security

Reflecting on the integrated approach, Bongino noted that the agency places an equivalent priority on counteracting cyber threats and foreign espionage activities. He stated, "The massive cyber threat, the counterintelligence threat," needs equal attention alongside terrorism. The objective is to ensure that the FBI's operations effectively counteract diverse threats to the nation's safety.

The FBI is also proactive at the southern border as part of its focus on potential national security threats. According to Bongino, agency teams work around the clock to identify and remove individuals who pose a threat, aiming to mitigate the risk of terrorist activities entering the country. He commented on the necessity of remaining vigilant: “There are people here… who want to do bad things—I think that is fairly obvious.”

In addition to focusing on physical threats, the agency has evolved its approach to classifying acts involving extremist violence. As part of moving beyond ambiguous labels, the FBI now labels such actions as terrorism, allowing for more targeted investigations.

Probing Into COVID-19's Origins

Beyond traditional security concerns, the FBI is pursuing an investigation related to the origins of COVID-19. Bongino voiced optimism about uncovering truths regarding whether the public was misled about the pandemic's outbreak.

In an assertion of agency commitment, Bongino mentioned strong efforts to investigate this issue fully. He expressed confidence that the public would learn the truth, incorporating these inquiries as part of a broader endeavor to ensure governmental transparency.

Accountability for past leadership within the FBI is also a point of interest for Bongino. Specific mention was made of James Comey, former FBI director, regarding sensitive documents tied to his era. Bongino revealed discoveries of documents during Comey's tenure that he said were unflattering and misplaced, highlighting the necessity for thorough investigations.

Envisioning Enhanced Public Safety

Bongino’s dialogue with Hannity also featured a look toward future leadership and its potential impact on public safety improvement. He noted how ongoing FBI efforts under future administrations could lead to significant advances in crime reduction and counterintelligence, specifically mentioning threats from the Chinese Communist Party.

Projecting into the future, Bongino stated a vision of significantly reduced crime rates. He highlighted how FBI involvement could contribute to a decrease in violence and emphasized potential roles in deporting violent criminals while preventing undisclosed terror plots. “I want the FBI to have played a key role,” he said.

Bongino outlined a day-to-day operational commitment, explaining that he and his team receive daily briefings on FBI operations. This level of detail exemplifies the continuous nature of the work involved in safeguarding national security without seeking public accolades.

Underlining Counterintelligence and Crime Reduction

Focusing on counterintelligence, Bongino acknowledged the persistent threat posed by foreign entities. Specifically, he referred to cyber-espionage activities attributed to international actors, urging progress in counterintelligence measures to address such concerns.

Turning attention to the future, Bongino discussed the potential for leadership changes to effect reforms and improvements. Within this context, he mentioned former officials’ involvement, including potential leadership roles for President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Director Patel.

With an end goal of ensuring public safety, he expressed the desire that, a year from now, Americans could look back on reduced crime rates and comprehensive security accomplishments. “Crime rates have gone down,” he reiterated, aspiring for the FBI to secure its place as a vital security safeguard moving forward.