Wray acknowledges FBI’s response to Durham Report’s criticisms.

FBI Director Responds to Criticisms in Durham Report

FBI Director Christopher Wray addressed the criticisms outlined in the report by special counsel John Durham, stating that his agency had taken extensive measures to address the issues. The report, released last month, highlighted deficiencies in the FBI’s investigation of former President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, leading some Republicans to call for the agency’s shutdown.

Failures in “Crossfire Hurricane” Operation

Durham’s report criticized the FBI’s operation, code-named “Crossfire Hurricane,” for failing to uphold its mission of strict adherence to the law. The investigation into Trump’s campaign was found to be seriously deficient.

During an event in Atlanta, Wray emphasized that the FBI had cooperated with Durham’s investigation and acknowledged that the described conduct was unacceptable and not representative of the institution. He highlighted the numerous reforms and corrective actions that have been implemented to prevent a recurrence of such failures.

Durham’s report also criticized the agency’s handling of the investigation, particularly its use of a secret intelligence court to obtain permission for surveillance. The FBI admitted that they had no probable cause, yet still obtained permission to surveil Trump’s campaign associate Carter Page.

The report also highlighted the FBI’s failure to examine its own databases, consult with other intelligence agencies, interview essential witnesses, and utilize standard analytical tools. These oversights could have prevented the false claims of contact between Trump’s campaign and Russian intelligence officials.

Several Republican presidential candidates, including Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the FBI’s handling of the investigation. DeSantis has vowed to remove Wray from his position if elected, while Ramaswamy has called for the agency’s abolition.

Wray also addressed the FBI’s mishandling of complaints by female gymnasts who had been victims of sexual assault. He expressed his horror and anger at the agency’s failures and emphasized the importance of implementing reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.

Despite the criticisms and controversies surrounding the FBI, Wray emphasized the importance of congressional oversight and the challenges of balancing it with the agency’s obligations to protect confidential sources and respect grand jury secrecy.

Wray’s speech in Atlanta was attended by business leaders and former colleagues from his previous law firm, King and Spalding. The firm has a history of public service, with past partners holding high-ranking federal law enforcement positions.

Wray’s extensive experience in law enforcement and his commitment to implementing reforms demonstrate his dedication to restoring the FBI’s integrity and ensuring its adherence to the law.