FBI Director Kash Patel has announced that the agency will leave its longtime headquarters in Washington, D.C. He described the J. Edgar Hoover Building as outdated and unsafe for staff. The building, opened in 1975, no longer meets the needs of a modern law enforcement agency.
“We want the American people to know we’re committed to a better future,” Patel said. “This building doesn’t reflect the standards we set.”
According to Patel, 1,500 agents will be moved out of the capital region. The FBI has about 38,000 employees nationwide, with nearly 11,000 based within a 50-mile radius of D.C. However, Patel argued that crime isn’t concentrated in one location.
As a result, each state will receive more staffing. This change is part of a broader plan to improve local crime-fighting capabilities. Patel emphasized that agents need to work where the need is greatest.
The FBI hopes this plan will inspire more Americans to consider careers in federal law enforcement. “People want to fight crime in their own communities,” Patel explained. “They don’t always want to be in D.C.”
He said the shift would happen within three to nine months. During that period, the agency will work closely with field offices to manage the transition smoothly.
For years, the FBI and the General Services Administration (GSA) have explored options for a new headquarters. In late 2023, the GSA selected Greenbelt, Maryland, as the site for a new main facility. A smaller D.C. location will hold 750 to 1,000 staff.
However, the selection process faced criticism. Then-Director Christopher Wray raised questions about transparency and fairness. A GSA inspector general report later found flaws in documentation and cost estimates. Still, the review confirmed no conflicts of interest.
The move comes as the FBI refocuses on decentralization. Deputy Director Dan Bongino, who joined Patel for the announcement, agreed with the direction. He said relocating agents would strengthen local enforcement and improve national response times.
Patel also voiced strong support for President Trump’s budget plan for the FBI. He said the agency must continue evolving to handle threats effectively.
As FBI Director Kash Patel confirms move from Hoover Building, the bureau is taking major steps to modernize operations. The relocation reflects a growing commitment to fighting crime on the ground, not just from Washington.
For more updates, visit DC Brief.
