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A burglary at a D.C. hotel in 1972 leads to a massive public corruption investigation and the President’s resignation.

Watergate — FBI An official website of the United States government. Here's how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Submit Search Search FBI More Most Wanted News What We Investigate How We Can Help You Submit a Tip About Contact Us Home History Famous Cases & Criminals Facebook Icon Email Icon Twitter Icon Youtube Icon Flickr Icon LinkedIn Icon Instagram Icon Search FBI Submit Search FBIFederal Bureau of Investigation Watergate History A Brief History Directors, Then and Now Famous Cases & Criminals Field Office Histories Wall of Honor Artifacts Reports & Publications Seal & Motto Stories & Multimedia Timeline More Watergate In the early morning hours of June 17, 1972, a night guard at a D.C. hotel and office complex was making his rounds when he noticed a suspiciously taped-open exit door.He quickly alerted authorities, setting off a series of events that would forever change the nation.More than 40 years later, the word Watergate is synonymous with political crime and corruption. In fact, it has become so ingrained in our country’s collective conscience that just adding “-gate” to the end of a word instantly signifies a scandal.On the day of the break-in at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, Acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray was notified by teletype of the incident and that one of those arrested was the security officer for the Committee to Re-Elect the President. Aerial view of the Watergate complex, site of June 17, 1972 burglary of Democratic National Committee Headquarters that became synonymous with the President Nixon cover up and eventual resignation. The break-ins occurred in the office building in the center. It was clear from the beginning that this was no ordinary burglary, and the FBI immediately found itself involved in the most politically sensitive investigation in its history. In the end, despite some issues in its own ranks, the Bureau’s exhaustive efforts were invaluable to unraveling the Watergate saga.Visit the links below for more information, including the FBI’s files on the massive investigation and records on former FBI Deputy Director Mark Felt, who identified himself as “Deep Throat” in 2005. Additional Information- The Vault: Watergate Files - Mark Felt’s Files - National Archives: Watergate Records  Most Wanted Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Terrorism Kidnappings / Missing Persons Seeking Information Bank Robbers ECAP ViCAP FBI Jobs Submit a Tip Crime Statistics History FOIPA Scams & Safety FBI Kids News Stories Videos Press Releases Speeches Testimony Podcasts and Radio Photos Español Apps How We Can Help You Law Enforcement Victims Parents and Caregivers Students Businesses Safety Resources Need an FBI Service or More Information? What We Investigate Terrorism Counterintelligence Cyber Crime Public Corruption Civil Rights Organized Crime White-Collar Crime Violent Crime WMD About Mission & Priorities Leadership & Structure Partnerships Community Outreach FAQs Contact Us Field Offices FBI Headquarters Visit the FBI Experience Overseas Offices Additional Resources Accessibility eRulemaking Freedom of Information / Privacy Act Legal Notices Legal Policies & Disclaimers Privacy Policy USA.gov White House No FEAR Act Equal Opportunity fbi federal bureau of investigation FBI.gov Contact Center Email updates Accessibility eRulemaking Freedom of Information / Privacy Act Legal Notices Legal Policies & Disclaimers Privacy Policy USA.gov White House No FEAR Act Equal Opportunity FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice © Search FBI Submit Search Home Most Wanted News What We Investigate How We Investigate How We Can Help You Submit a Tip About Contact Us Crime Statistics Photos Video Outreach History A Brief History Directors, Then and Now Famous Cases & Criminals Field Office Histories Wall of Honor Artifacts Reports & Publications Seal & Motto Stories & Multimedia Timeline FOIA Scams & Safety FBI Kids FBI Jobs

Watergate | Federal Bureau of Investigation