FBI Dir. Wray: “Can’t Be Sure” Americans’ Rights Aren’t Being Violated

I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t feel all that safe and secure when the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) testifies before a Senate hearing that he can’t sit before Congress and the American people and “be sure” that the rights of innocent Americans are not being violated.

He can’t be sure? I’m just old fashioned, but I’ve always thought the head of the FBI should absolutely be able to say without hesitation that his agency isn’t spying on Americans and harvesting their private data.

This alarming revelation came out in a tense exchange between FBI Chief Christopher Wray and Senator Rand Paul during yesterday’s Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing, which is partly being held due to claims of political bias and corruption in the FBI.

As reported:

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) asked Wray during a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing about the alleged partnership — named in the House report, based in part on whistleblower claims of pro-Democratic bias within the FBI, as “Operation Bronze Griffin.”

“Is Facebook or any other social media company supplying private messages or data on American users that is not compelled by the government or the FBI?” Paul asked Wray.

“Not compelled — in other words, not in response to the legal process?” Wray replied.

“No warrant, no subpoena — they’re just supplying you information on their users?” Paul clarified.

“I don’t believe so. But I can’t sit here and be sure of that as I sit here,” Wray said.

Sen. Paul did not let the conversation shift at that answer, holding Director Wray accountable for the ongoing activities of his office and demanding that he investigate and provide a real answer on the matter: 

Can you give us a yes or no by going back to your team and asking? Because it’s a very specific question because if they are, it’s against the law — the law, the Stored Communications Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, prohibits providers from sharing electronic communications with any person or entity unless it’s compelled.

This was done to protect the privacy of people, so we can feel like we can send an email or direct message to people without having that information given over. It’s a very specific question, will you get with your team of lawyers and give us a specific answer? Because this is the law. If you’re doing it, then we need to go to court to prevent you from receiving this information.

It is encouraging to hear one of our lawmakers actually demanding transparency from the Deep State FBI and providing the promise of real consequences if it turns out there is wrongdoing at play. Of course, for his part Wray gave essentially the same answer as before, he knows they’re not doing anything wrong . . . but he needs to check and get back to you just in case. And I’m not being flippant. That’s essentially the answer Wray gave the Senator:

Well, I can tell you that I’m quite confident we’re following the law. But I will also follow up with you to make sure that we get more information, more detailed information.

We just told you days ago it came to light that Wray’s FBI also claimed it never planned to use a high powered spyware package called Pegasus to spy on American citizens. And then oops, documents obtained showed that he was lying – the FBI had absolutely considered putting Pegasus in play in its investigations, regardless of your privacy. And this gentleman would have us all believe that he’s pretty darn sure the FBI isn’t violating anyone’s rights or privacy. Folks, are you terrified yet? I certainly hope so.

One thing is clear, and that is the ACLJ has a lot of legal work to do over the next two years.

Today’s full Sekulow broadcast includes further in-depth discussion of this latest revelation about the possibility of more FBI corruption. We also take a moment to recognize the end of an era, as Rep. Nancy Pelosi stepped down from her role as Speaker of the House in the wake of last Tuesday’s midterm elections, and we speculate as to who may be taking her place.

Watch the full broadcast below: