A contentious exchange unfolded on Thursday morning between Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino concerning the ongoing investigation into the January 6, 2021, pipe bomber. The altercation was sparked by whistleblower allegations that the FBI may have mishandled the case, leading to a public spat between the two figures.
The dispute began to gain traction following a November 8 report by investigative journalist Steve Baker of The Blaze. Baker's investigation pointed to Shauni Kerkhoff, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer, as the alleged perpetrator behind the pipe bombs discovered during the January 6 incident. Baker's report, which cites former FBI Special Agent Kyle Seraphin, suggests that despite the FBI being on the cusp of apprehending the suspect, the investigation was inexplicably redirected. Seraphin is quoted as saying, "The FBI put us one door away from the pipe bomber within days of January 6, and we were deliberately pulled away for no logical or logically investigative reason."
The report's credibility was bolstered by a detailed computer analysis of Kerkhoff's gait and her known role in dignitary protection, suggesting that the FBI had substantial evidence but refrained from pressing charges. Kerkhoff, who testified that she left the Capitol Police on amicable terms before the incident, has not been charged, and the FBI has remained silent on her identification in the case.
Adding to the controversy, a whistleblower disclosure emerged, casting further doubt on the FBI's conduct. On November 12, 2025, a letter from the whistleblower's attorney, Kurt Siuzdak, was sent to congressional leaders, including Massie, highlighting "unusual" requests from the Washington Field Office (WFO) and raising questions about the investigation's progress. The letter, which the House Judiciary Committee obtained, also referenced concerns about potential retaliation against whistleblowers.
Massie brought the issue to the public's attention with a social media post on Wednesday at 7:17 p.m. EST, sharing the troubling letter and reminding FBI Director Kash Patel of federal laws protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. In a sharp rebuke, Bongino responded to Massie's post, vehemently rejecting the insinuation that the FBI's leadership was targeting investigators. Bongino highlighted the bureau's efforts to revitalize the investigation with new personnel and resources and emphasized his commitment to providing whistleblowers with necessary resources.
The confrontation reached a boiling point when Bongino, in a social media post, referred to Massie as "a dog barking behind a fence," stressing his attempts to reach out to the congressman for a briefing, which Massie did not respond to. Bongino's post included call logs showing two attempts to contact Massie on the previous day.
The saga is further complicated by a separate legal matter involving Seraphin, who is embroiled in a $5 million lawsuit filed by Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel. This lawsuit, which also targets conservative commentator Elijah Schaffer, has raised eyebrows due to its connection to a law firm associated with the Kash Foundation.
As the story unfolds, it has become a flashpoint for discussions on government transparency, the handling of significant investigations, and whistleblower protections. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the public awaits further developments to discern the truth behind these allegations.
