FBI co-deputy director steps down amid leadership changes

Andrew Bailey, the FBI’s co-deputy director, announced on social media that he would be stepping down from the position.

Bailey’s departure comes a year after he stepped into the role, and is the latest high-profile leadership change at the law enforcement agency under FBI Director Kash Patel.

Bailey, who was previously Missouri’s attorney general, was appointed last August and initially shared the role of second in command alongside Dan Bongino. In December, Bongino also stepped down after clashing with former Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of the Epstein files.

“With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am announcing that I am stepping down to return to my family in Missouri,” Bailey said in a post. “I am confident Director Patel will continue to reform the FBI, combat violent crime, defend the homeland, ensure strong organizational accountability and restore public trust in this institution of excellence.”

The FBI has historically only had one deputy director, making Bailey’s appointment as a co-deputy director last August alongside Bongino unusual.

After Bongino’s departure, Bailey served as co-deputy director alongside Christopher Raia, a career agent and the former head of the FBI in New York.

Patel has faced criticism for the restructuring of the bureau, as numerous experienced agents have been fired or forced out under his leadership.

Last September, Brian Driscoll, the former acting FBI director, and others filed a lawsuit against Patel and other Trump allies, alleging they were orchestrating a politically motivated purge of leadership.

By Vafa Guliyeva