FBI Director James Comey said Wednesday that the US is at its greatest threat level from terrorist groups since 9/11.
Comey shared the information at a Senate FBI oversight hearing after Sen. Lindsey Graham questioned him on his agency's knowledge of terrorism.
"Do you agree with the
following statement: There are more terrorist organizations with men, equipment
and safe havens, along with desire to attack the American homeland, anytime
since 9/11?" the South
Carolina Republican asked.
"I agree," Comey said.
Comey said budget cuts imposed by
Congress in recent years have reduced the FBI's ability to protect America from
terrorism.
"What do you think the
likelihood of another 9/11 against the homeland will be if we don't destroy the
caliphate in Syria and in Iraq in the next year?" Graham asked.
"That's certainly a hard
question for me to answer," Comey said. But, he added, "Their ability
to have a safe haven from which to gather resources, people, plan and plot
increases the risk of their ability to mount a sophisticated attack against the
homeland."Read complete report here.
