FBI Director Gets Personal During Visit To Oklahoma City

FBI Director James Comey Jr. has only been the director since September. And this is his first visit to Oklahoma City. But he's not just America's top cop. He was once a crime victim.

Thursday, February 20th 2014, 8:25 pm

By: News 9


FBI Director James Comey Jr. has only been the director since September. And this is his first visit to Oklahoma City. But he's not just America's top cop. He was once a crime victim.

"Yeah when I was a senior in high school, a notorious gunman and rapist kicked in the front door of my house and held my brother and I at gunpoint," said Comey.

Comey says he and his brother managed to escape that gunman who held them hostage, but that the gunman was never caught.

"It was a very significant event in my life," said Comey. "Gave me a terrific appreciation for how precious life is, and for what victims of crime feel."

Now as the nation's top cop, he's in charge of tracking down criminals all over the world.

"Counter terrorism remains our top priority," said Comey. "I wake up every morning worrying about it. I go to bed every night worrying about it."

Comey says besides the threats from terrorists in Syria and Al Qaeda, the FBI worries about threats from homegrown violent extremists.

"Those are the people who are not directed by Al Qaeda, but who may be sitting in their basement in their pajamas convincing themselves that they have to engage is some sort of jihad," said Comey.

"And go kill innocent people inspired by and guided by internet available material provided by terrorists around the world."

That's why he says partnerships with local law enforcement are so important.

"The cop on the beat of the sheriff in the car who's most likely to hear about that troubled soul and be able to report them to us," said Comey. "So we can intervene before they hurt somebody."

Comey says he was a federal prosecutor when the Oklahoma City Bombing happened and that lessons learned from that day, and from Sept. 11, will not be forgotten.

"It is something that is vivid in my memory," said Comey, who does plan to visit the Oklahoma City national memorial, and the memorial museum, during this visit to pay his respects.

Comey was also heavily involved in the 2004 conviction of Martha Stewart. He was the Deputy Attorney General at the time.

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