WASHINGTON — On Monday, a seasoned agent was appointed as acting director of the FBI by the White House, following the unexpected retirement of the official who was anticipated to take on the interim role after Christopher Wray’s departure. Brian Driscoll has been chosen to lead the bureau until Kash Patel, a candidate selected by President Donald Trump, is confirmed by the Senate as director.
The announcement came shortly after Paul Abbate, who had served as Wray’s deputy for the past four years, informed coworkers via email about his retirement, concluding nearly three decades of service. Abbate indicated his willingness to stay on past his mandatory retirement date temporarily, intending to assure a smooth transition and continuity within the FBI. However, with new leadership approaching, he decided to retire immediately following a successful tenure in the deputy capacity, as per his email.
Abbate’s sudden exit introduces further complexity for a law enforcement entity already bracing for change with the potential confirmation of Patel. Known for his loyalty to Trump, Patel has been vocally critical of the FBI’s leadership and strategic decisions, raising concerns among Democrats with remarks suggesting he might leverage the bureau against Trump’s opponents.
While Abbate did not hint at his successor in the email, Driscoll was included among those designated by the White House to assume acting leadership roles. Just last week, Wray appointed Driscoll as special agent in charge of the Newark division, and he previously commanded the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team.
In an email addressed to his colleagues, Driscoll expressed his commitment to collaborating with the current FBI leadership and the transition team at the Department of Justice, aiming to bridge the gap between the outgoing permanent leadership and the incoming team. He emphasized the continued focus on the bureau’s vital work, underscoring its commitment to serving the American populace.
Driscoll also announced that Robert Kissane, a prominent counterterrorism officer in the New York field office, would step in as acting deputy director. Wray’s last day at the bureau was on Sunday, marking Abbate as acting director momentarily before his retirement.
Abbate’s lengthy FBI career involved various leadership positions, including oversight of the bureau’s Detroit and Washington field offices, and he served as executive assistant director for the criminal, cyber, response, and services branch. He was appointed to the deputy director role in 2021, charged with steering the FBI’s investigative operations.
As he departed, Abbate encouraged his colleagues to uphold the organization’s core values and support their colleagues and partners. Wray was initially appointed by Trump during his first term, leading the bureau for over seven years before announcing his retirement last month, shortly after Trump disclosed his interest in Patel as the new director.
