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In a recent interview, Bret and Peter discussed significant developments at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Peter highlighted the upgrades needed for facilities to support the men and women aspiring to join the FBI, revealing that applications are surging—reaching approximately 5,700 a month, a significant increase from previous years.
One focus of the FBI under Peter’s leadership is combating fentanyl trafficking. The agency launched Operation RANTORE, targeting precursor labs in China. Peter emphasized the urgency of addressing the fentanyl crisis, noting that they seized enough fentanyl this year to kill the combined populations of the U.S. and Canada.
Bret questioned Peter’s previous critiques of the FBI, exploring what surprised him upon taking the director position. Peter acknowledged a strong desire among FBI personnel to improve the bureau and implement long-overdue technological advancements for better preparedness and effectiveness.
Further, the conversation turned to transparency regarding previous investigations, particularly concerning the January 6th Capitol events and the Crossfire Hurricane inquiry. Peter promised waves of transparency and disclosed that new materials had been found that could offer fresh insights into these events. He confirmed the presence of FBI sources near the Capitol on January 6, though not direct agents, and assured the public they would receive truthful updates as they unfolded.
They also addressed the fallout from allegations of political misconduct and the ongoing investigations into incidents such as the pipe bomber case, stressing their commitment to pursuing credible leads without delay. Peter asserted that the FBI is refocusing its investigative priorities to address significant public safety concerns rather than getting bogged down in bureaucratic delays.
Lastly, they discussed ongoing concerns about threats to the President, including a recent assassination attempt, underscoring the importance of addressing such serious matters with the utmost diligence and providing clarity to the public about ongoing investigations. Peter reaffirmed the bureau’s dedication to transparency amidst the challenges posed by the complexities of these high-stakes situations.
