FBI Director Christopher Wray is expected to raise concerns about the possibility of a coordinated attack in the United States, similar to the recent massacre in Russia, in a congressional hearing on Thursday.
What Happened: Wray is set to testify before a House of Representatives panel, where he will express his apprehensions about the potential for a large-scale attack in the U.S., Reuters reported. The FBI chief will draw parallels between the recent concert hall attack in Russia and the current security situation in the U.S.
"Looking back over my career in law enforcement, I'd be hard-pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once," Wray will tell lawmakers during a budget hearing.
"But that is the case as I sit here today."
See Also: Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Pushes For Legislation To Compel Chinese Divestment Of TikTok
Wray will also urge lawmakers to renew a U.S. surveillance program that is set to expire this month. He considers the program an essential tool in countering U.S. adversaries. However, a proposed modest overhaul of the program was blocked in the House on Wednesday, with concerns from members of both parties about the extent of the government’s surveillance powers.
Why It Matters: This is not the first time that Wray has raised concerns about potential attacks in the U.S. In November last year, he expressed increasing concerns about the threat of terror attacks inspired by recent Hamas activities in Israel.
The attack in a Moscow concert hall on March 22, which claimed the lives of at least 144 people, has raised concerns about the possibility of a similar attack in the U.S. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine without providing evidence.
Before the Moscow massacre, the United States had issued a confidential warning to Russia about a possible terrorist attack targeting large gatherings, including concerts, in Moscow. Following the attack, Russian officials arrested 11 individuals linked to the assault.
This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
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