Press Release

As part of the FBI's increased focus on counterterrorism, a major restructuring of the organization and a reshaping to the FBI's mission is underway, with top priority being the prevention of any further terrorist acts in the United States or against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. As that transformation moves toward a broad-based counterterrorism program, including the disruption of terrorist activities, greater interagency cooperation, and effective warning, Director Robert S. Mueller, III, has appointed three veteran FBI Agents to key posts in the Counterterrorism Division.

John S. Pistole, Deputy Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Division: Mr. Pistole has served in the Minneapolis, New York, Indianapolis and Boston field offices. While in the New York office, he worked complex organized crime investigations and has gained experience in the areas of organized crime, white collar crime, and other programs, as an investigator, supervisor, and manager throughout his career. He has served on the Information Security Working Group and as an Inspector has directed and supervised the inspections of field offices, Headquarters divisions and overseas Legal Attache offices.

Andrew G. Arena, Section Chief of the International Terrorism Operations Section: Mr. Arena entered on duty with the Bureau in June 1988 and has served in the Albany and Los Angeles field offices. He also served in the Cleveland field office where he supervised the Violent Crimes and Major Offenders squad. Most recently, Mr. Arena has served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit field office, where he was responsible for all international terrorism matters.

Thomas P. Carey, Section Chief of the Domestic Terrorism Section: Mr. Carey is a 19-year Bureau veteran, having served in the Boston, Minneapolis, and Washington, DC field offices where his investigative responsibilities ranged from violent crime investigations to foreign counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations. Most recently, Mr. Carey has served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington, DC field office, where he has been supervising the investigation into the deadly anthrax mailings.

"Terrorism represents a continuing threat to the United States and a formidable challenge to the FBI", said Dale L. Watson, Executive Assistant Director for Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence. "These three -- all experienced investigators and managers -- represent the FBI's finest. They bring both the leadership qualities and a track record of success, and they will be important assets to the worldwide fight against terrorism", Watson said.