The Poignant (but Ridiculous) Reason Gibbs Doesn’t Lock His Door in ‘NCIS’

Despite Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ criminal-catching skillset as a Supervisory Special Agent for NCIS, he never locks his front door to keep them from breaking in. Throughout the series, several members of his investigative team are seen walking straight into Gibbs’ home without a key, whether he’s there or not. Considering his law enforcement career, which has brought him up close to some really monstrous offenders, fans have continually questioned why a man who clearly understands the risk of not locking his home wouldn’t make an effort to do so.

Gibbs eventually left the show during Season 19, but we still didn’t get any answers during his departure — from him, the other characters, or the creative team behind the show. Well, after over twenty years, fans can finally tie up that lingering loose end. Fellow cast member Cote de Pablo, who portrays agent Ziva David, recently answered the question about Gibbs’ careless unlocked door habit, and the reason has to do with the tragic fate of his first wife and daughter, Shannon and Kelly.