Attorney General Kwame Raoul has publicly condemned recent statements made by U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, which he described as an "unfounded attack" on the FBI and diversity initiatives. The remarks from Blackburn were contained in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, where she attempted to link the New Year's Day terrorist act in New Orleans with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Raoul expressed his disapproval of the approach taken by President-elect Trump and some Republicans. He stated, “I am absolutely outraged that in the aftermath of the horrific New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, President-elect Trump and his fellow Republicans continue to focus not on healing our nation but on weaponizing the tragedy to push an agenda grounded in hate and bigotry.”
The Attorney General emphasized his respect for the FBI, highlighting his office's successful collaboration with the agency across various areas such as combating online child sexual abuse imagery and tackling organized crime. He noted that all FBI agents must meet stringent qualifications regardless of their gender or race. Raoul added that efforts to diversify should not be misconstrued as lowering standards.
He also criticized Blackburn's letter for being a "disgusting attack on FBI agents of all races," while labeling Republican attacks on immigration and diversity initiatives as dangerous. Raoul called for bipartisan solutions on border security and immigration reform without allowing divisive rhetoric to interfere.
“Tragedies like the one in New Orleans should unite us as one nation,” Raoul stated, urging against allowing such events to create division.