Washington D.C. – FBI National Press Office, March 09, 2025
FBI Director Kash Patel issued the following message to the Bureau workforce to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the abduction of retired FBI Special Agent Robert “Bob” Levinson from Kish Island in Iran in 2007:
All,
This Sunday marks 18 years since Robert “Bob” Levinson was abducted from Iran’s Kish Island. It’s also U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, a time for our entire nation to remember Bob and all Americans wrongfully captured and detained overseas.
Over the years, the Bureau has worked to secure the recovery of many Americans held hostage abroad, but Bob’s case hits especially close to home. He spent nearly three decades in service to our nation, including 22 years as an FBI special agent. He was one of ours.
While we’re still early in my time at the Bureau, I have long been familiar with the story of Bob’s disappearance and am honored to call the Levinson family my friends. On my first morning as Director, I visited the Hall of Honor at FBI Headquarters to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and to tour the exhibit dedicated to Bob’s extraordinary life and career.
