FBI Director Comey comments on election email criticisms in staff memo
FBI Director James Comey said in a private memo to the FBI staff this week that the criticism over the controversial decisions made by the FBI in 2016, “in the wake of a contentious election cycle,’’ apparently referring to the investigation into the Clinton emails, bothered him, but not much “because of the way the decisions were made.”
“I am uncomfortable spending time talking about me but I am grateful for the support so many of you have expressed in recent months,’’ Comey told the staff in his New Year’s memo obtained by CBS News.
“I would be lying if I said the external criticism doesn’t bother me at all but the truth is, it doesn’t bother me much because of the way we made decisions,’’ he said.
Although Comey has not spoken publicly about the Clinton investigation since the election, it is not the first time he has visited the issue with the workforce, both at headquarters and the field offices.
In his annual state of the FBI message, Comey said it was another great year for the FBI, in all areas of operation including counter-intelligence, counterterrorism, criminal, and cyber.
He set a vision for the FBI over the next five years and wanted to keep focused on its mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution of the United States.
He said they need to stay ahead of the threat through leadership, agility and integration.
He said the FBI will continue to be engaged in the complicated conversations in this country about the impact of encryption on law enforcement and national security work, arguing that “going dark” is falling across larger portions of law enforcement’s work especially in the form of devices that can’t be opened despite search warrants.
Comey looked back at other challenges that faced the FBI last year beginning with the federal Oregon wildlife refuge standoff in which a militia member was killed by a state trooper, and the Orlando nightclub attack, which was carried out by an individual previously known to the FBI and continuing through the controversial Clinton email investigation.
“At every turn last year, we were faced with choosing among bad options and making decisions we knew would bring a torrent of criticism,’’ Comey said without referring specifically to the Clinton email investigation. “But at each turn, we asked ourselves only: which option is most consistent with our values? Which option would honest, competent and independent people choose?
“When you know you have made decisions thoughtfully and consistent with your values, it is freeing in a way,” Comey stated.
Comey remembered the 19 FBI agents shot or severely injured in the line of duty in 2016 noting that all of those agents are recovering but it serves as a reminder that the work can put agents in harm’s way.
He noted that while some of the FBI’s investigations received wide media coverage, there are many other places and ways the FBI has quietly fulfilled its mission
“It is incredible to see from my seat and hard to capture all the good we have done, both for innocent people and to make ourselves better as an organization,’’ he said. “People often ask me what we should do to respond to those who have questions or concerns about the FBI in the wake of the contentious election cycle. “Do great work,’’ is my answer. “...the American people rely upon your work and admire it.’’
