Director Christopher Wray testified before the House Judiciary Committee this morning at a hearing about threats to the United States. You can read his statement for the record at ow.ly/6Yji50F7Iyn.
During the hearing, Director Wray discussed the prevalence of violence throughout the country and the FBI’s work to combat threats that jeopardize Americans’ right to feel safe and secure in their homes and communities.
Wray: The FBI does not—and should not—police ideology, and we do not investigate groups or individuals based on the exercise of First Amendment-protected activity alone. But when we encounter violence and threats to public safety, we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.
Wray: We saw this kind of extremist violence on January 6 when an angry mob used violence and the destruction of property to break into the U.S. Capitol in a failed attempt to undermine our institutions of government and our democratic process.
Wray: Through the dogged work of FBI agents, analysts, and professionals across the country, working alongside federal, state, and local partners, we’ve been able to make close to 500 arrests so far—with more sure to come.
Wray: More recently, we’ve been seeing an alarming increase in hate crimes across the country, many targeting members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander and Jewish communities.
Wray: To confront this threat, [we're] focusing on our traditional investigative efforts through our civil rights program and our Domestic Terrorism-Hate Crimes Fusion Cell ... but also enhancing our law enforcement training, public outreach, and support for our ... partners.
Wray: In difficult times like these, we must never forget the extraordinary bravery of our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement members who risk life and safety every single day to protect the public and keep the peace.
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