FBI Director Christopher Wray made an announcement on Wednesday regarding his decision to resign from his position as head of the agency, following increasing pressure from Republican leaders who expressed doubts about his leadership.
During a town hall meeting with FBI staff in the afternoon, the 57-year-old Wray explained that after “weeks of careful thought,” he had chosen to step down in January, once the current administration’s term concludes. His decision came as a response to mounting demands from GOP senators and President-elect Donald Trump.
“My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Wray stated. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.”
He also expressed his personal struggle with the decision, saying, “It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me. I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.”
Wray emphasized the importance of maintaining the FBI’s integrity, adding, “What absolutely cannot, must not change is our commitment to doing the right thing, the right way, every time.” He further reinforced this point by highlighting the agency’s core values: “Our adherence to our core values, our dedication to independence and objectivity, and our defense of the rule of law — those fundamental aspects of who we are must never change.”
Notably, Wray did not mention Kash Patel, the individual whom President Trump, 78, has chosen to succeed him at the helm of the FBI.
{Matzav.com}