Christopher Wray sworn in as FBI chief

Washington, Aug 3 (IANS) Christopher Wray was sworn in as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chief on Wednesday, the Justice Department reported.

Wray took the oath of office from Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who emphasized that the new FBI chief has "the experience and the strength of character that the American people want in an FBI director", Efe news reported.

"I congratulate him for being overwhelmingly confirmed to that post and look forward to working with him every day to keep America safe," Sessions said.

After the oath was administered, Wray said that taking charge of the FBI was "the honor of a lifetime".

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Wray in a 92-5 vote to replace James Comey, who was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump in May.

Wray, a 50-year-old Yale-educated attorney, headed the Justice Department's criminal division from 2003-2005 during the mandate of then-President George W. Bush, when Comey was serving as the FBI's number two official.

During his confirmation hearings, Wray defended his independence and respect for the Constitution.

"My commitment is to the rule of law, to the Constitution, to follow the facts wherever they may lead," the 50-year-old Yale-trained attorney said before the Judiciary Committee. "And there isn't a person on this planet whose lobbying or influence could convince (me) to just drop or abandon a properly predicated and meritorious investigation."

Trump nominated Wray in June after firing Comey, amid an FBI investigation into possible links between the mogul's presidential campaign and the Kremlin.