Former Missouri AG Andrew Bailey leaving FBI post

By: Lucas Geisler

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -- A former Missouri attorney general is leaving his job at the FBI in Washington D.C.

Andrew Bailey announced on X Monday morning that he would be stepping down as deputy FBI director to return to Missouri and his family. Bailey thanked Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI director Kash Patel in his announcement.

"Under President Trump’s leadership, we have delivered historic results in our mission to Make America Safe Again," Bailey said. "With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am announcing that I am stepping down to return to my family in Missouri. 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."

Bailey became co-deputy director of the agency in August alongside Dan Bongino, who left in January. Governor Mike Kehoe filled the vacancy in the attorney general's office with Catherine Hanaway the next day.

Bailey was appointed to Missouri's top law enforcement job in 2022 by Gov. Mike Parson. He won election to a full term in 2024, but left for Washington less than a year later.

Bailey, of Hermann, is married with four children, according to previous reporting.