FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino criticizes James Comey for ’86 47′ post

Bongino Critiques Comey’s Leadership and Recent Comments

On Saturday, Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino openly criticized former FBI Director James Comey, highlighting issues of accountability within the bureau. Bongino’s statement, shared on social media, indicates that Comey’s recent actions have exacerbated ongoing problems in leadership.

“Comey has brought shame to the FBI this past week,” Bongino said. He went on to express frustration over the continual efforts required to rectify the consequences of Comey’s tenure.

Comey faced backlash after a social media post, which included the phrase “86 47,” was interpreted by some, including former President Trump, as implying harm towards the president. Though Comey later clarified that he didn’t intend for the numbers to be linked to violence, the situation stirred significant controversy.

Trump remarked, “He knew exactly what it meant. The kids know what it meant. As the FBI director, if you’re unclear on that, it means ‘assassination,’ plain and simple.”

In his defense, Comey asserted that he did not foresee people interpreting the numbers in that way and believed his post had been misread.

Bongino, however, dismissed Comey’s explanation, suggesting it reflects a broader pattern of problematic leadership. “We’re here focused on reforming the agency,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of addressing past mistakes.

He also highlighted the FBI’s role in supporting federal investigations and ensured that the agency is committed to maintaining transparency regarding actions involving former officials.

The U.S. Secret Service has already interviewed Comey regarding the incident, and Bongino underscored the existing communication between the FBI and the Secret Service about the matter.

Moreover, he stressed that the ongoing dysfunction in the FBI stems from decisions made during Comey’s leadership. “Many of these agenda items relate back to Comey’s choices,” Bongino stated, implying a need for continued reform.

Wrapping up his remarks, Bongino reiterated his commitment to supporting law enforcement and acknowledged the overarching efforts to restore integrity within the FBI.

As a former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent appointed earlier this year, Bongino’s leadership under Director Kash Patel aims to re-establish accountability and integrity within the FBI amidst allegations of politically driven misconduct in the past.