Bongino, Massie Clash Over Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Probe

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino slammed Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) on Thursday for implying that the bureau is targeting investigators in the Washington, D.C., pipe bomb case.

Massie posted a letter on Wednesday from an FBI whistleblower’s attorney, who raised concerns about the bureau allegedly moving to retaliate against his client for making a protected disclosure to Congress related to the case, prompting a response from Bongino.

“I received this troubling letter today from the attorney representing the most recent FBI whistleblower regarding the J6 pipe bomb investigation,” Massie wrote on X. “Just a reminder to [FBI Director Kash Patel], in case this letter is warranted, federal law prevents retaliation against whistleblowers.”

The correspondence references a Thursday meeting at 10 a.m. in the FBI’s Washington Field Office, where bureau management is reportedly attempting to identify the whistleblower.

Bongino revealed he offered the congressman an in-person brief on the case over the phone. The two spoke on Wednesday morning. Bongino called him later in the day, but he did not receive a call back.

“Despite [my outreach], you continue to imply that the Director and I are targeting investigators in the case,” Bongino responded at length. “This is disgusting, even by the low standards many have for politicians. You know my number, and you’re free to call me anytime. But it’s easier to tweet and throw BS bombs.”

The deputy director confirmed that the Thursday morning meeting is still scheduled to happen. However, he said, the purpose of the meeting is to brief FBI leadership on whistleblower resources that may need to be disclosed to show evidence of malfeasance in the Biden administration’s investigation.

Bongino assured that FBI leadership is “passionate” about finishing the unsolved case.

Last month, the FBI renewed its call for tips about the unknown person who placed two pipe bombs near the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee on Jan. 5, 2021, the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. The bombs did not detonate, but the FBI has said they were “viable” and could have posed serious harm to the public.

The FBI and Metropolitan Police Department are offering a $500,000 reward to anyone who has information that may lead to the location, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible.

The suspect’s identity remains a mystery nearly five years later, although there are unverified reports that a former Capitol Police officer may be connected to the pipe bombs. Massie promoted the bombshell story on social media, alleging the FBI is involved in a “cover-up.”

Bongino alluded to this reporting as “grossly inaccurate” and misleading. No breakthrough has been made in discovering the person’s identity, the law enforcement official said.

“I proudly serve in this administration, and I proudly work with Director Patel to reform and advance the crime-fighting and national security missions of the FBI,” Bongino told Massie. “We would love to have you as a partner in this mission, rather than a dog barking behind a fence.”