In the wake of the tragic New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has voiced sharp concerns regarding the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) commitment to its core mission of protecting Americans.
The attack, which claimed the lives of 14 individuals and injured dozens, including two police officers, has raised questions about federal law enforcement’s preparedness and priorities under FBI Director Christopher Wray.
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In a strongly worded letter to Director Wray, Senator Blackburn expressed deep concerns about the agency’s ability to prevent and respond to terror threats. The attack, carried out by a suspect found with weapons, improvised explosive devices, and an ISIS flag, highlighted what Blackburn described as a failure to prioritize public safety.
“This horrific incident constitutes a blatant act of terror on the American homeland,” Blackburn wrote. “The people of our country deserve to know whether federal law enforcement agencies can sufficiently prevent and respond to such incidents.”
Senator Blackburn criticized the FBI’s focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, suggesting that these priorities have led to a decline in the quality of FBI hires. Citing a report from retired FBI agents submitted to the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, Blackburn stated that the FBI is no longer recruiting “the best and the brightest” candidates, instead selecting individuals to meet DEI mandates.
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The senator pointed to specific examples, such as the FBI’s hiring of a Chief Diversity Officer and the hosting of a “Diversity Agent Recruiting Event” in New Orleans shortly before the attack. She also highlighted the involvement of New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick in teaching diversity-focused courses at the FBI’s Leadership Training Program.
“Your decision to prioritize politics, pop culture, or almost anything else over your mission to protect the public has put Americans in harm’s way,” Blackburn said. “The January 1 terror attack was the inevitable consequence.”
Senator Blackburn demanded answers from Director Wray regarding the impact of the FBI’s DEI agenda on national security. She argued that the focus on diversity over competence has undermined public confidence in the agency’s ability to protect Americans from threats.
“Put simply, your focus on woke DEI initiatives at the FBI has endangered our national security and the lives of all Americans,” Blackburn said. She emphasized that the incoming Trump administration would restore law and order but called for immediate accountability in the interim.
As the FBI continues its investigation into the New Orleans attack, Senator Blackburn’s remarks underscore growing concerns about the balance between political priorities and operational readiness within federal law enforcement. The senator’s statements come amid broader debates about the role of DEI policies in national security and public safety.
The FBI has not yet responded to Blackburn’s letter or addressed the specific allegations regarding its hiring practices and policy priorities.
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