The FBI is turning its focus back to three major cases that broke during and just before the Biden administration. Announced by Dan Bongino, the FBI’s deputy director, these cases involve potential public corruption.
First up, there’s the investigation into two undetonated pipe bombs found near the Democratic and Republican National Committee offices on January 5, 2021. Despite extensive efforts—1,000 interviews and 39,000 video reviews—the person responsible remains unknown.
Next, the FBI is taking another look at the bag of cocaine discovered in the White House on July 2, 2023. It was stashed in a cubby near the Situation Room, where officials store their phones during meetings. The U.S. Secret Service ended its search for the bag’s owner just ten days in, citing a lack of evidence.
Lastly, the leak of the unpublished Supreme Court Dobbs decision in 2022 is under renewed scrutiny. This leak led to the end of federal abortion protections. An eight-month investigation couldn’t identify the leaker, much to the frustration of many.
Bongino stated on X, “After swearing in, we evaluated cases of potential public corruption that have grabbed public interest. We decided to re-open or devote more resources to these investigations.” He assured the public that they’re making progress and invited anyone with tips to reach out to the FBI.
According to recent surveys, public trust in federal law enforcement is at a low. A Gallup poll from earlier this year showed just 36% of Americans have confidence in the FBI. This highlight of ongoing investigations and attempts to solve high-profile cases may be an effort to rebuild that trust.
These cases reflect the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public faith while dealing with sensitive matters that potentially involve political figures. Observers online have been vocal, with many expressing skepticism about the FBI’s ability to resolve these cases amid the complexities of today’s political landscape.
For more on these developments, visit NPR’s detailed coverage here.