FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Denies Previous Allegations of Covering Up Pipe Bomb Investigation: 'We Rely on Facts in Our Investigations'

Dan Bongino, former Fox News host and current Deputy Director of the FBI, avoided revisiting an earlier statement suggesting a cover-up regarding the identity of the individual responsible for placing pipe bombs at the Democratic and Republican national committee headquarters.

On Thursday, the FBI announced the arrest of 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. from Virginia in connection with the devices, which were left at the party headquarters on the evening of January 5, 2021, just a day before the Capitol riot.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the work leading to the arrest, noting, This operation reflects thorough police work and cooperation on a case that had remained unresolved for four years. The public is safer thanks to this successful action.

Later the same day, Bongino appeared on Fox News Hannity, where host Sean Hannity referenced Bonginos previous comments about the pipe bomb incident. Hannity reminded Bongino of a social media post in which he had suggested a potential cover-up, implying the perpetrator could be connected to anti-Trump insiders.

Bongino responded by emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing but stated that authorities now feel confident about the suspect. He also clarified the difference between his former role as a commentator and his current position within the FBI: In the past, I provided opinions, Sean. That was my role then. Today, my responsibility is to conduct investigations based on facts. Our work is guided by evidence, and our conclusions reflect that approach.

He further noted that unlike some media figures who clung to prior narratives, the FBI adapts as new information emerges, letting facts direct their conclusions.

Author’s Analysis: Bongino Clarifies Role Amid Pipe Bomb Arrest

In light of the arrest of Brian Cole Jr., Dan Bongino addressed his prior statements suggesting a possible "cover-up" related to the January 5, 2021 pipe bomb incidents. Bongino distinguished his former role as a media commentator from his current duties as Deputy Director of the FBI, emphasizing that ongoing investigations are now guided solely by evidence.

The development underscores the FBI’s adaptive approach: as new facts emerge, prior assumptions are re-evaluated. Bongino highlighted that while commentary may speculate, investigative work must remain strictly fact-driven. This distinction is critical given his past public statements on social media and in the press.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the multi-year investigation leading to the suspect's arrest, calling it a demonstration of effective law enforcement collaboration. Bongino’s comments reinforce the message that conclusions within the FBI are evidence-based, rather than influenced by previous narratives or external pressures.

Sources:

• FBI No. 2 Dan Bongino Runs From Past Claim About a Pipe Bomb Cover-Up: ‘We Base Investigations on Facts’