‘Radical’ FBI practices on DEI ‘endangered’ Americans, Blackburn says
Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn has raised concerns about the FBI’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices following the tragic terrorist attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Blackburn demanded answers regarding the agency’s focus on DEI initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people.
The attack on Bourbon Street resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people and left 30 others injured. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former Army veteran from Texas, was armed with weapons, improvised explosive devices, and an ISIS flag. He was killed by police after opening fire on them.
Blackburn expressed her deep concerns about the FBI’s priorities under Wray’s leadership, citing reports of the agency’s hiring practices and the emphasis on DEI initiatives. She criticized the FBI for allegedly putting politics and diversity above national security, leading to incidents like the New Year’s Day terror attack.
The senator questioned the number of FBI employees hired through DEI initiatives, the funding for these initiatives, and the impact on the agency’s counterterrorism efforts. She also raised concerns about the termination of agents in the National Security Branch and the statements made by FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil regarding diversity.
Wray, who announced his resignation at the end of President Biden’s term, faced criticism for his handling of the New Orleans attack and the initial assessment that it was not a terrorist event. The FBI later confirmed that the incident was being investigated as an act of terrorism, and an ISIS flag was found in the suspect’s truck.
As Blackburn called for answers from Wray and highlighted the importance of national security over DEI initiatives, she urged the FBI director to respond to her questions by January 10. With Wray’s impending departure and the nomination of Kash Patel as his replacement, the focus on law and order in the agency remains a pressing issue for the American people.
