In his farewell address, outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that the bureau must avoid “partisanship and politics” in order to maintain “independence” and “objectivity.”
Wray spoke at a memorial service at FBI headquarters just days before resigning from his role after more than seven years.
He stressed that the FBI must operate “with professionalism, rigor and integrity,” following the facts “wherever we go.”
“That means conducting an investigation without fear or favor. And it means not proceeding with an investigation where a prediction does not exist,” Ray said. said during Friday's ceremony.
“That's what the rule of law is all about,” he added. “We have to rise above partisanship and politics and maintain our independence and objectivity. That's what I think the American people expect and that's what they deserve.” It’s from.”
Wray said in early December last year that he planned to resign by President-elect Trump's inauguration on January 20. He was nominated by President Trump in 2017 to replace then-FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by the president-elect. Mr. Ray will retire three years earlier than the official end of his term in 2027.
During his tenure as FBI director, the bureau has faced intense scrutiny over investigations into President Trump, particularly in 2022 when investigators investigated the storage of documents from Trump's White House days at Trump's Marl mansion in Florida. A Lago was raided.
The agency is also investigating President Biden over classified documents and gun control and tax violations that led to his conviction. The president eventually pardoned his son.
In Friday's speech, which was attended by Justice Department (DOJ) officials, FBI leaders, intelligence officials and others, Wray thanked his colleagues for their “essential” work and said the agency is committed to supporting local, state, tribal and federal operations locally, stately, tribally and federally. He highlighted the various partnerships that have been strengthened. Law enforcement.
“Our most important asset is our employees, you. You are what makes the FBI a special organization. “I've seen him rise to the challenge time and time again,” Ray said. “And day after day, I am inspired by the talent and character of the men and women in the ranks of the FBI.”
President Trump has nominated Kash Patel, a former Justice Department prosecutor who has criticized the FBI's past investigations of Trump, to be the next leader of the FBI.
“What we do here at the FBI isn't just a job. It's a calling. And our work couldn't be more important. Challenging? Absolutely. But as the Director, I For more than seven years, I've watched the FBI rely steadily on the values, principles, and strengths that have long supported our organization, and I've never once doubted the Bureau's capabilities. ” he said on Friday. “And because of them, we can meet these challenges head on and work calmly and hard.”
