Georgia’s U.S. senators supportive of Chris Wray nomination to lead FBI

ALBANY — Georgia’s U.S. senators on Wednesday quickly signaled their support for President Trump’s selection of a former federal prosecutor in Atlanta as the next director of the FBI.

President Trump said Wednesday he would nominate Christopher Wray as FBI chief.

“Chris Wray has exceptional experience, including as a former federal prosecutor in Atlanta and assistant attorney general, that I believe will serve him well as head of the FBI,” Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Marietta, said. “Ultimately, we need an FBI director who is dedicated to upholding the rule of law and honoring the trust that the American people place in our justice system.”

FBI Deputy Director Andrew G. McCabe has served as the acting FBI director since Trump’s May 9 firing of James Comey, who is scheduled to appear Thursday before the Senate Intelligence Committee. As Comey’s successor, Wray would inherit an agency that has been caught up in Washington politics and elections issues.

Sen. David Perdue, R-Sea Island, noted that Wray has stepped into difficult situations before.

“… President Trump chose former Atlanta federal prosecutor Christopher Wray to lead our nation’s highest law enforcement agency,” Perdue said. “Mr. Wray has proven he is dedicated to upholding our nation’s laws and seeking justice. His work with DOJ on major cases like the Enron scandal and September 11th terrorist attacks make him an ideal candidate for this very important job.”

Wray served as assistant attorney general under former President George W. Bush and led the criminal division of the Department of Justice from 2003-05. He earlier served as assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta. He currently works as a litigation partner at the King & Spalding law firm. He represented Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., in the investigation into lane closures of the Washington Bridge.

In a statement Wednesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions described Wray as “an extraordinary person, possessing all the gifts necessary to be a great director of the FBI.”

“Chris combines a brilliant legal mind, outstanding accomplishments, and a proven record of public service,” Sessions said. “We are fortunate that he is willing to make this personal commitment to serve his country at this important time.”

Sessions noted that Wray had worked with FBI agents as an assistant U.S. attorney for four years, and that as principal associate deputy attorney general under Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson he “performed superbly during the incredibly intense period after 9/11.”

“The president asked us to look for an FBI director who has integrity, who understands and is committed to the rule of law, and who is dedicated to protecting the American people from crime, gangs and terrorists,” Sessions said. “We have found our man in Chris Wray.”