Christopher A. Wray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chris Wray
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Official portrait, 2017
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| 8th Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation | |
| In office August 2, 2017 – January 19, 2025 |
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| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | James Comey |
| Succeeded by | Kash Patel |
| United States Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division | |
| In office September 11, 2003 – May 17, 2005 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Michael Chertoff |
| Succeeded by | Alice S. Fisher |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Christopher Asher Wray
December 17, 1966 New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Helen Garrison Howell
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Yale University (BA, JD) |
| Signature |  |
Christopher Wray, born on December 17, 1966, is an American lawyer. He served as the eighth Director of the FBI. The FBI is a major law enforcement agency in the United States. He was chosen by President Donald Trump to take over from James Comey. Wray started his 10-year term on August 2, 2017. He resigned in January 2025.
Wray was born in New York City. He studied at Yale University and then at Yale Law School. In 1997, he began working for the government as a lawyer. From 2003 to 2005, he led the Criminal Division of the Justice Department. This was during President George W. Bush's time in office. Before becoming FBI Director, Wray worked as a lawyer for a private firm. He is a member of the Republican Party.
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Early Life and Education
Christopher Asher Wray was born in New York City. His father, Cecil A. Wray Jr., was also a lawyer. His family has a history of public service and business.
Wray went to private schools in New York City and Massachusetts. He then attended Yale University. He studied philosophy and earned his degree in 1989. After that, he went to Yale Law School. He was an editor for the Yale Law Journal and graduated in 1992.
Early Career in Law
After law school, Wray worked for a judge for a year. Then, he joined a private law firm. In 1997, Wray started working for the government. He became an Assistant United States Attorney in Georgia. Later, he moved to the Justice Department in Washington, D.C.
Leading the Criminal Division
In 2003, President George W. Bush nominated Wray to lead the Criminal Division of the Justice Department. The Senate approved his nomination. He served in this role from 2003 to 2005. He worked closely with James Comey, who was then the Deputy Attorney General. During this time, Wray oversaw important investigations into financial crimes.
In 2004, Wray and other Justice Department officials considered resigning. This was because of disagreements with the White House. The issue was about a government surveillance program. Wray received a top award from the Justice Department in 2005 for his public service.
After leaving the Justice Department, Wray returned to private law practice. He worked for a large law firm. He represented big companies and led a group that handled government investigations.
Director of the FBI (2017–2025)
Becoming FBI Director
After FBI Director James Comey was dismissed in May 2017, President Donald Trump looked for a new leader. Trump interviewed Wray for the job. On June 7, 2017, Trump announced he would nominate Wray.
Wray's confirmation hearing was held in July 2017. During the hearing, he was asked about the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. He stated that he did not believe it was a "witch hunt." The Senate approved Wray's nomination with strong support. He officially became FBI Director on August 2, 2017. FBI Directors usually serve a 10-year term.
Key Events as Director
As FBI Director, Wray dealt with many important issues. In 2020, he stated that "anarchists" were using protests to promote violent ideas. He later clarified that "antifa" is an idea, not a single group. This was different from how President Trump described it.
In 2021, Wray testified about the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol. He called the attack an act of domestic terrorism.
After the 2024 United States presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump said he would replace Wray. Wray had three years left in his term. On December 11, 2024, Wray announced he would resign in January 2025. This coincided with the end of the Biden administration.
Russian Election Interference
Wray spoke about the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. He said the FBI's work was professional and fair. He also stated that the FBI had no information that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election. He added that Russia was the biggest threat to the 2020 election.
Focus on China
Wray often spoke about the threats from China. In 2018, he mentioned that "nontraditional collectors," like some students and scientists, could be used for espionage. He clarified that the FBI does not investigate people based on their background. Instead, investigations focus on actions.
In 2020, Wray called China the "greatest long-term threat" to the United States. He said the FBI was opening many new cases related to China. He mentioned cyberattacks that stole personal information from millions of Americans. Wray believed China was trying to become the world's only superpower. In 2023, Wray also said that the COVID-19 virus might have leaked from a laboratory in China.
Personal Life
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Wray married Helen Garrison Howell in 1989. They met while studying at Yale. They have two children, a son named Trip and a daughter named Caroline. The family lives in Georgia.
Wray is a member of the Republican Party. He is also part of the Federalist Society, a group of conservative and libertarian legal experts.
See also
In Spanish: Christopher A. Wray para niños
- Foreign electoral intervention
