FBI ramps up AI to counter domestic, global threats, Patel says

FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau is increasing its use of artificial intelligence to counter domestic and international threats. In a post on X, Patel described AI as a key component of the agency's strategy to stay ahead of evolving threats and to respond to a changing threat environment. "We’ve been working on an AI project to assist our investigators and analysts in the national security space — staying ahead of bad actors and adversaries who seek to do us harm," he wrote.

Patel said the agency's leadership has formed a technology working group led by outgoing Deputy Director Dan Bongino to ensure tools evolve with the mission. "These are investments that will pay dividends for America’s national security for decades to come," Patel added.

According to the FBI, AI is already used for vehicle recognition, voice-language identification, speech-to-text analysis and video analytics, among other tools, the agency’s website indicates. A spokesperson for the FBI told Fox News Digital there is no further comment beyond Patel’s X post.

Dan Bongino has announced he will leave the bureau in January, ending a tenure that included leadership of the AI initiative. In a separate X post, Bongino said, "I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President [Donald] Trump, AG [Pam] Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her."

The developments come as part of a broader push by the FBI to modernize its technology tools to address a rapidly shifting threat landscape. Patel’s remarks and the technology group’s mandate underscore the bureau’s intention to align AI capabilities with mission needs while maintaining operational readiness amid leadership changes.