FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has launched a new investigation into the Supreme Court’s Dobbs opinion leak that sparked violent protests and an assassination attempt against Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Key Takeaways
- FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has reopened the investigation into the 2022 leak of the Supreme Court’s draft Dobbs opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade
- The initial Supreme Court investigation failed to identify the leaker despite examining nearly 100 employees
- The leak led to protests at conservative justices’ homes and an assassination attempt against Justice Brett Kavanaugh
- Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, is personally overseeing weekly briefings on this and other high-profile corruption cases
- The FBI is specifically seeking public assistance to generate new leads in the investigation
New FBI Leadership Takes Action on Unresolved Cases
In a decisive move reflecting the Trump administration’s commitment to accountability, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has announced a fresh investigation into the infamous Supreme Court Dobbs opinion leak. The unprecedented breach of Supreme Court confidentiality occurred when Politico published Justice Samuel Alito’s draft opinion on May 2, 2022, revealing plans to overturn Roe v. Wade. Despite an internal investigation led by the Supreme Court Marshal, the source of the leak was never identified, leaving a critical security breach unresolved and eroding trust in one of America’s most important institutions.
“Shortly after swearing in, the Director and I evaluated a number of cases of potential public corruption that, understandably, have garnered public interest. We made the decision to either re-open, or push additional resources and investigative attention, to these cases. These cases are the DC pipe bombing investigation, the cocaine discovery at the prior administration’s White House, and the leak of the Supreme Court Dobbs case. I receive requested briefings on these cases weekly and we are making progress. If you have any investigative tips on these matters that may assist us then please contact the FBI,” said Dan Bongino, FBI Deputy Director.
Serious Security Implications of the Leak
The consequences of the leak extended far beyond a mere breach of protocol. Within days of Politico’s publication, angry protesters gathered outside the homes of conservative justices, creating an environment of intimidation and fear. The situation escalated dramatically when an armed man was arrested near Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home in Maryland, later admitting to authorities that he had traveled there with the intent to kill the justice. This shocking development highlighted the grave security implications of the leak and underscored the urgent need to identify and hold accountable those responsible for endangering members of the nation’s highest court.
“Roe was egregiously wrong from the start,” said Justice Alito, setting off a firestorm of liberal outrage and organized protests that continued until the official ruling was released on June 24, 2022. The unprecedented nature of the leak shocked legal experts and damaged the Supreme Court’s reputation for maintaining strict confidentiality in its deliberations.
Failed Initial Investigation Raises Questions
The Supreme Court’s own investigation into the leak proved remarkably ineffective, despite interviewing approximately 100 employees and examining their electronic devices. In January 2023, the court announced it had been unable to identify the source of the leak, prompting widespread criticism and speculation about the thoroughness and competence of the investigation. Critics noted that the investigation, led by Supreme Court Marshal Gail Curley, appeared to have significant gaps, including failing to request signed affidavits from all justices denying involvement – a stunning oversight that raised questions about whether the investigation was genuinely designed to succeed.
“Now that trust or that belief is gone forever,” said Justice Clarence Thomas, expressing his concern about the damage to the Court’s integrity.
The FBI’s decision to take over the investigation signals a serious commitment to resolving a case that many conservatives believe was deliberately left unsolved. Deputy Director Bongino, with his background in the Secret Service and reputation for tackling corruption, brings fresh perspective and federal investigative resources that were notably absent from the original inquiry. His weekly briefings on the case demonstrate the priority level this investigation now holds within the Bureau.
Speculation About the Leaker’s Identity and Motives
Theories about the source of the leak have varied widely. Some legal analysts have suggested the leak may have come from a conservative source attempting to lock in Justice Alito’s draft as the final opinion and prevent Chief Justice Roberts from potentially crafting a more moderate approach. Others believe it originated from someone opposed to overturning Roe v. Wade who hoped public pressure might change the outcome. The FBI investigation will need to examine all possibilities without preconceptions, especially since the Supreme Court’s own investigation failed to pursue several obvious leads or establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
The reopened investigation represents a significant test for the FBI under the Trump administration’s leadership. Success in identifying the leaker would not only restore confidence in the Bureau’s investigative capabilities but also send a clear message that attacks on judicial independence and security will not go unpunished. For many conservatives, this investigation represents a necessary step toward restoring integrity to institutions that have appeared increasingly partisan and compromised in recent years.
