Foreign adversaries and terrorist groups are increasingly focusing their efforts on the United States, with a particular emphasis on cyber operations, security, and employing “mafia-like” tactics. This trend has been a growing concern, as highlighted by FBI Director Christopher Wray during a recent speech.
During the American Bar Association luncheon in Washington, D.C., Wray emphasized the agency’s commitment to thwarting coordinated attacks by terrorist organizations like ISIS-K, a known affiliate of ISIS.
FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed his concern over the growing threat of foreign terrorists, specifically groups like ISIS and al-Qaida, who have been actively calling for attacks against Jewish communities in the United States and other Western countries. According to Wray, these terrorists have been promoting their extremist ideologies through statements and propaganda. He further emphasized the potential for coordinated attacks within the country, citing the recent ISIS-K attack at the Russia Concert Hall. Wray also highlighted the ongoing conflict and its aftermath, stating that it could contribute to the radicalization and mobilization of individuals for years to come.
Experts have issued a warning, stating that there is a high probability of ISIS attempting to carry out an attack on the United States.
Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie emphasized the importance of believing individuals when they express their intentions. During an interview with Martha Raddatz on ABC News’ “This Week,” McKenzie stated, “We should believe them when they say that. They’re going to try to do it.”
During his discussion on Tuesday, Wray also addressed the various threats posed by malicious individuals and organizations from countries such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.
According to the statement, Russia is actively focusing on the sabotage of crucial “underwater cables” that play a pivotal role in global communications.
According to Wray, the Russian government is heavily investing in cyber operations, viewing it as an asymmetric weapon to match their adversaries. Their targets include critical infrastructure, such as underwater cables and industrial control systems, both within the United States and globally. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been conducting reconnaissance on the U.S. energy sector. What is particularly worrisome is that the Russians, along with other adversaries, show no concern for the impact of their cyber campaigns on civilians.
According to him, the Chinese government has a strategic approach and looks at the bigger picture in the long run.
According to the statement, China is actively working to undermine the security and economy of the rule-of-law world by using its entire government.
FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed his concern about the Chinese cyber program, stating that it surpasses any other government’s programs. He emphasized that China’s cyber threat is alarming due to its massive scale, outnumbering the United States’ program by fifty to one. Wray further described China’s tactics as “mafia-like,” which adds to the worrisome nature of the situation.
In addition, he vigorously supported Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which enables the government to gather the communications of individuals outside the United States who use U.S.-based platforms without requiring a warrant. This provision, known as Section 702, is currently being considered for reauthorization in the House of Representatives this week.
“The implications of restricting our actions are not just theoretical,” emphasized Wray.
After delivering his speech, he also took the time to address questions from the audience. During this Q&A session, he passionately criticized the proposed $500 million cut to the FBI budget by House Republicans.
He mentioned that China is not reducing their budget.
He said that cutting the budget of the FBI sets us back.
He posed the question, “Who benefits from budget cuts?” and proceeded to answer it himself. According to him, those who benefit are violent criminals, child predators, the Chinese government, cyber hackers, ransomware actors, cartels, and terrorists. On the other hand, budget cuts harm our law enforcement partners, state and local law enforcement agencies who rely on us in various ways. Ultimately, it is the American people and their neighborhoods that suffer the consequences.
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