Source: US FBI
Wray addressed the winter conference of Major County Sheriffs of America on January 31. The professional organization represents approximately 110 of the largest elected sheriff’s offices in counties or parishes with populations of 500,000. Then this week, on February 8, he spoke at the National Sheriffs’ Association’s conference.
Topics included crime and national security challenges like violent crimes, gangs, drugs, border crime, terrorism, and violent extremism. During each meeting, Director Wray expressed concern about the continuing increase in murder rates, the release of repeat or dangerous offenders from prison, and the rise in radicalized juveniles inspired by violent radical ideologies and extremist groups.
And discussion of the brutal beating death of Tyre Nichols by five Memphis police officers, captured on video, was top of mind for leaders at both conferences. “What happened was tragic and inexcusable,” Director Wray said. “I was appalled by the video and deeply troubled by what I saw.” The video, he insisted, is not reflective of the men and women in law enforcement “who go about their job in the right way.”