Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Confronted at Florida Event; Accused of Shielding 'Deep State' and 'Pedophiles'

Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino was publicly confronted on Saturday at an event in Florida by two conservative activists who demanded he take harsher actions against what they described as the "deep state." The exchange, captured on video and shared on social media, escalated into profanity and personal accusations before security intervened and escorted Bongino from the premises.

The confrontation began when Joseph Phillip Daniel, a conservative Christian preacher who has previously appeared on The 700 Club, approached Bongino and shouted at him to "Don’t be a coward, Dan," according to footage circulating online. As security personnel moved in, Daniel continued to press his point with religious appeals: "God’s watching you, man. Remember, we reap what we sow. God’s watching us. Go all out against the deep state. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid of Satan, man." Security warned Daniel that he would be trespassed from the property if he persisted.

Bongino responded to the challenge by urging Daniel to take action himself. "Why don’t you volunteer yourself? Why don’t you do it?" Bongino said, according to the video. Daniel replied that he planned to run for Congress and that he was prepared to step up, saying, "I’m telling you, I’m ready. I’m ready to be in Congress," and later, "I’m ready. I’m filing. I’m not afraid of Hillary. I’m not. God bless you, man." The back-and-forth continued before security removed Bongino from the area.

Ivan Raiklin, identified in the footage as a constitutional attorney and a former Army Green Beret, further escalated the exchange after Bongino's initial rebuke. Raiklin shouted profane accusations, calling Bongino a "pedophile protector" and using expletives while the former FBI official was being escorted away. The verbal assault was recorded and shared online, including in a post by Enrique Tarrio that included a warning about strong language.

Dan Bongino served as the FBI’s No. 2 official from March 2025 until January 2026, having been appointed to the role after being hand-picked by former President Trump to assist Kash Patel in reforming the agency. He announced in December that he would resign and return to private life; his resignation took effect in January 2026. The recent public confrontation comes in the wake of his departure from the bureau and amid ongoing political debates about federal law enforcement and accountability.

Bongino’s public profile has included commentary on politics and law enforcement reform, and his personal history has been part of his public narrative. In 2020 he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his neck and subsequent treatment, and by 2021 announced he had beaten the disease.

The incident highlights tensions between outspoken conservative activists and former officials perceived to have moderated their positions after serving in government. Supporters of the activists labeled the encounter a necessary public rebuke, with a social media post from the account JesusFirst1776 stating: "The Spirit led me to confront Dan Bongino tonight here in Florida. @DBongino #JesusIsKing #JesusIsLord #LockHerUp." Critics argued the exchange crossed into personal attacks and profanity. Video of the confrontation was shared widely on social media, stoking debate about tactics used by political activists and the treatment of public figures who have served in government roles.

No official statement from Bongino responding to the confrontation was included in the footage or the social media posts originating from the event. The episode adds to the broader public discussion over the role of former officials in political discourse and the methods used by activists to hold them to account.