FBI Director Raises Concerns about Widespread Threats to the US
FBI Director Christopher Wray alerts senators about an unprecedented surge in elevated threats against the US, emphasizing the gravity of the situation by stating he sees blinking lights everywhere
FBI Director Christopher Wray told senators on Tuesday that he has never witnessed so many elevated threats against the US during his long career, warning them that he sees "blinking lights everywhere." During a hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Lindsey Graham asked Wray if he saw "blinking red lights" similar to the warning signs the US overlooked before the 9/11 attack.
"Blinking lights are everywhere I turn," Wray remarked. He also mentioned that the bureau is tirelessly working to identify and prevent potential attacks inspired by the Hamas attacks on October 7.
"Since October 7th, we've been tirelessly working to prevent potential attacks inspired by Hamas' actions in Israel," Wray stated before the committee. In a separate written statement, he added that currently, there is no evidence to suggest that Hamas has the intention or capability to carry out operations within the US, but the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed.
Wray's statement expressed the FBI's concern about the potential for Hamas supporters to engage in violent activities on behalf of the group. He also highlighted the threat of terrorist organizations exploiting attacks in Israel to mobilize their followers worldwide.
Additionally, Wray stated that there has been an increase in hate crimes, particularly a troubling trend of heightened antisemitic threats since October 7. These comments are consistent with previous warnings about threats to the United States that he has presented to other congressional committees.
Additionally, Wray highlighted the FBI's accomplishments, noting that they had disrupted more than 40% of cyber operations and apprehended over 60% more cyber criminals compared to the previous year. He also mentioned that in the past two years, the FBI has confiscated enough fentanyl to kill 270 million people, which is over 80% of the American population. The FBI director is urging senators to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is due to expire at the end of this year. This law allows the US government to gather intelligence by targeting non-American individuals overseas who are utilizing US-based communication services.
Wray emphasized the crucial role of 702 in detecting foreign terrorist organizations orchestrating attacks on American soil. He also raised concerns about the potential impact on families if a hospital were targeted by a cyber attack and the FBI was unable to prevent it.
Wray emphasized that letting the law expire or making changes that "undermine" its effectiveness "would be like building another, pre-9/11-style wall in intelligence gathering. What could be said to the families of the victims if there was another attack that could have been prevented if we had not relinquished the ability to effectively use a tool that courts have consistently deemed constitutional?" This story and headline have been revised to include new developments.
