FBI Director Mueller's Response to the Inspector
General Report on the "Department of Justice's Actions In Connection
with the Search for Absent Texas Legislators"
Washington,
DC - FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III issued the following statement
regarding the Inspector General's report on the "Department of
Justice's Action In Connection with the Search for Absent Texas Legislators":
"As always, we appreciate the Inspector
General's efforts. The report appears to be a thorough and well-considered
summary and analysis of the events, and we will carefully review its
findings and recommendations.
"The IG found that one FBI employee
assisted his colleagues from the Texas Department of Public Safety in
making phone calls to one of the legislators who was his friend. While
the IG believes that it would have been the better course to decline
the request for assistance, the IG report finds no inappropriate motive
on the employee's part and concludes that 'we do not believe he committed
misconduct or violated any FBI policy.'
"We agree with the report's recommendation
that we examine the guidance provided to Special Agents. As we continue
to increase our cooperation and coordination with our state and local
partners, we will work to ensure that all FBI personnel exercise the
best possible discretion in responding to requests from their law enforcement
colleagues. We look forward to working with the Inspector General on
this matter."