FBI’s Wray denounces threats following search of Trump home
Aug 11, 2022, 4:19 PM | Updated: 4:21 pm
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 12: FBI director nominee Christopher Wray testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee July 12, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. If confirmed, Wray will fill the position that has been left behind by former director James Comey who was fired by President Donald Trump about two months ago. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The director of the FBI had strong words Wednesday for supporters of former President Donald Trump who have been using violent rhetoric in the wake of his agency’s search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home.
Christopher Wray, who was appointed as the agency’s director in 2017 by Trump, called threats circulating online against federal agents and the Justice Department “deplorable and dangerous.”
“I’m always concerned about threats to law enforcement,” Wray said. “Violence against law enforcement is not the answer, no matter who you’re upset with.”
I have said the raid will end in either Trump’s indictment because the DoJ found what it was looking for, or in the resignation of disgraced FBI Director Wray and AG Garland. There is no in between ground.
Here is the case for indictment:
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) August 10, 2022
Wray made the remarks following a news conference during a long-planned visit to the agency’s field office in Omaha, Nebraska, where he discussed the FBI’s focus on cybersecurity. He declined to answer questions about the hours-long search Monday by FBI agents of Trump’s Palm Beach, Florida resort.
It has been easy to find the threats and a call to arms in those corners of the internet favored by right-wing extremists since Trump himself announced the search of his Florida home. Reactions included the ubiquitous “Lock and load” and calls for federal agents and even U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to be assassinated.
Merrick Garland & Christopher Wray are receiving a massive uptick in death threats. This is a direct result of Marjorie Taylor Greene demanding to “defund” the FBI & DOJ. It’s also a result of Trump falsely accusing FBI/DOJ of “planting evidence.” Yes. MAGA is a terrorist regime.
— Dash Dobrofsky (@DashDobrofsky) August 10, 2022
On Gab — a social media site popular with white supremacists and antisemites — one poster going by the name of Stephen said he was awaiting “the call” to mount an armed revolution.
“All it takes is one call. And millions will arm up and take back this country. It will be over in less than 2 weeks,” the post said.
Another Gab poster implored others: “Lets get this started! This unelected, illegitimate regime crossed the line with their GESTAPO raid! It is long past time the lib socialist filth were cleansed from American society!”
At a minimum, Garland must resign or be impeached. The search warrant must be published. Christoper Wray must be removed. And the FBI reformed top to bottom.
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) August 9, 2022
Okay, GOP, you win: we should arrest whoever appointed FBI Director Christopher Wray.
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) August 10, 2022
The search of Trump’s residence Monday is part of an investigation into whether Trump took classified records from the White House to his Florida residence, according to people familiar with the matter. The Justice Department has been investigating the potential mishandling of classified information since the National Archives and Records Administration said it had received from Mar-a-Lago 15 boxes of White House records, including documents containing classified information, earlier this year.
Wray confirms: Kavanaugh tips from tip line were sent to Trump White House without investigation; and Trump White House directed what witnesses FBI would interview.
— Sheldon Whitehouse (@SenWhitehouse) August 4, 2022
