?? Christopher Wray, the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, spoke publicly about the findings of the just-concluded investigation into–among other things–James Comey's 11th-hour actions around the Clinton email investigation, and their effect on the 2016 U.S. Presidential elections.
"We accept the watchdog's findings," said Wray. They're launching an internal review of how the FBI handles "sensitive investigations."
Mr. Trump won't like this, but FBI's rank and file will. Wray seemed to be speaking to them, and they'll take heart. Wray spoke soberly, with repeated reference to the rule of law.
But my emails. https://t.co/G7TIWDEG0p
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 14, 2018
"This report did not find any evidence of political bias or improper considerations impacting the investigation under review" said Wray.
"I've visited with every FBI division.. in every office, in every meeting, I see extraordinary people who are doing incredible work."
Wray ran down laundry list of recent FBI accomplishments: FBI thwarted a terrorist attack on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, and another targeting a crowded shopping mall Miami… in March, the agency charged hackers with stealing terabytes of data from agencies, hospitals… After the Austin bombings, 600 agents deployed to investigate package bombs… Wray also said that "this year alone, we saved 1305 kids from predators, some months old…"
And then:
Wray refuses multiple questions about Trump's criticisms of the FBI. He says he's only focused on "the opinions that matter."
— Eli Stokols (@EliStokols) June 14, 2018
THE SHADE!
Asked about Trump's disses of the FBI, Wray responds:
"I am interested in the opinions of people who matter"
BURNNNNN— ???? ?????? (@xeni) June 14, 2018
FBI Director Chris Wray on the IG report: "It's focused on a specific set of events back in 2016 and a small number of FBI employees connected to those events. Nothing in this report impugns the integrity of the workforce as a whole or the FBI as an institution."
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) June 14, 2018
"That in my belief is the only way [The FBI can] maintain trust and credibility to the people we serve," said Wray.
Wray addressed the rule of law directly. Trump won't like it. He referenced his own confirmation hearing:
"I am a huge believer in the importance of process, doing the job by the book. I expect all our employees do the same."
"The FBI's brand over the past 110 years is based less on successes than the way we've earned it. We've earned it by following the rules, following the law, following guidelines, staying true to core values and traditions."
Wray repeatedly used the phrase "Doing the right thing the right way," and the importance of "treating people with respect."
These are things Trump does not do.
Wray: "It's important to note what Inspector General did not find. This report did not find any evidence of political bias or improper considerations impacting the investigation under review."
— Eli Stokols (@EliStokols) June 14, 2018
"Disappointed" is FBI Director Chris Wray's one word to describe his response to the DOJ IG report on the Clinton email investigation.
— Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) June 14, 2018
Director Wray responding to IG report now. Says will refer conduct highlighted in report to Office of Professional Responsibility pic.twitter.com/U8AIUaQXbj
— Julia E. Ainsley (@JuliaEAinsley) June 14, 2018
NEW: FBI Director Wray says some conduct detailed in the IG report has been referred to OPR for potential disciplinary action.
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) June 14, 2018
FBI Director Christopher Wray says the Justice Department IG report "did not find any evidence of political bias or improper considerations impacting the investigation under review," although it identifies "errors of judgement" https://t.co/J4caXSRfyu
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) June 14, 2018
Wray won't talk about any specific FBI employees who are now undergoing disciplinary action after IG report
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) June 14, 2018
FBI Director Chris Wray on clamping down on leaking in the FBI: "We issued a new media policy that's much stricter and much more clear than what had been in place before…We won't tolerate non-compliance."
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) June 14, 2018
This Oct. 5 email from Comey to Brennan and Clapper on publicly acknowledging Russian interference is infuriating. pic.twitter.com/DFK7iiuZoR
— Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) June 14, 2018
DOJ IG: Comey violated norms, but no evidence he had political bias https://t.co/lLPycjvOCa @SchneiderCNN reports @TheLeadCNN
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 14, 2018
BREAKING: 'Nothing in this report impugns the integrity' of the FBI as a whole, FBI Director Wray says of inspector general report.
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 14, 2018
Dir Wray says there are "some sobering lessons" in the Inspector General's report, and the FBI is going to learn from and act on those lessons,including avoiding even the appearance of bias in FBI operations. pic.twitter.com/0K92TwGrM8
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 14, 2018
Wray vows to "hold people accountable" and to train all senior executives. But this is a marker he's laying down… https://t.co/4rxjGU0ker
— Eli Stokols (@EliStokols) June 14, 2018