FBI
James Comey Defends US Surveillance Practices at FBI Confirmation Hearing
By Spencer Ackerman The Gaurdian President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead the FBI forcefully argued to the Senate that the oversight mechanisms on the government’s widespread surveillance of phone records and online habits sufficiently protect Americans’ privacy. James Comey, the former US deputy attorney general, said Tuesday that the secret surveillance court that approves…
Listen Live to Senate Judiciary Hearing at 10 Today for Nomination of James Comey as FBI Director
Listen to live broadcast of Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for nomination of James Comey for FBI director. CLICK HERE
High-Ranking Mobster Asks to Be Released for Helping FBI Arrest Mafia Members
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Ex-Bonanno crime boss and FBI informant wants to be freed from jail in exchange for damaging testimony against the mafia, the New York Post reportsBon. Joseph Massino, who will be re-sentenced toady, provided key testimony against former colleagues, including Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano. “It is fair to say that not only is…
Surrogate Son of Accused Mobster ‘Whitey’ Bulger Testifies in Murder, Racketeering Trial
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com A man who was considered to be the surrogate son of James “Whitey” Bulger testified Monday against the accused Boston mobster, describing a cold killer who stopped at nothing to protect himself. “I was with him for 20 years,” Kevin Weeks, who was a critical witness, told the court during Bulger’s murder…
Obama’s FBI Nominee, James B. Comey, Faces Tough Questions about Domestic Surveillance
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to grill James B. Comey about his views on enemy interrogations and government surveillance during a hearing today, The New York Times reports. President Obama’s choice to be FBI director has faced a tough confirmation process in the midst of revelations that the U.S. is conducting…
Russia: NSA Leaker Snowden May Be Down to ‘Last Chance’ As Venezuela Gets Involved
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Venezuela appears to be NSA leaker Edward Snowden’s last hope of gaining asylum, an influential member of Parliament said, USA Today reports. Alexei Pushkov, head of the Parliament’s international affairs committee, wrote on Twitter: “Venezuela is waiting for an answer from Snowden. This, perhaps, is his last chance to receive political asylum.”…
NYPD Cop Accused of Abusing Federal Database to Snoop on Co-Workers
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Another New York City cop is accused of abusing a federal database operated by the FBI. The Associated Press reports that Edwin Vargas looked up names of two fellow officers without their knowledge. Vargas is just the latest NYPC officer accused of abusing the National Crime Information Center database. Others have used…
ACLU lists 10 Most ‘Disturbing’ Things About FBI Since 9/11
By Matthew Harwood ACLU Media Relations Associate Next Tuesday, James Comey will have his first job interview for succeeding Robert Mueller as director of the FBI. Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee will not only have the chance to determine whether Comey is qualified for the job—and we have our concerns—but an opportunity to examine…