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Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The United States of America now has nearly 50 new FBI special agents sworn to protect her and her people against terrorists, cyber criminals, and more. The agents are the first to graduate from the FBI Academy since the summer of 2013 because the Bureau was under a hiring freeze during sequestration. FBI Director James Comey was waiting for the moment the agents earned their badge.

Director James Comey: …because this nation needs you so badly.

Halpern: Special agents must meet strict academic, physical, and firearm requirements. This class spent the last five months at the Academy, where they received training that reflects the FBI as both a national security and law enforcement organization.

Comey: It is a place that is dedicated to instilling in you what is the spine of the FBI, which is a commitment to the rule of law and to the civil liberties of this amazing nation...

Halpern: This class is the first to graduate under Director Comey, who administered the oath of office…

Comey: Raise your right hands and repeat after me…

Halpern: …which is a declaration of rigorous obedience to the U.S. Constitution.

Comey: Congratulations, you are now special agents of the FBI.

Halpern: Graduating for these special agents is…

Special Agent: …a dream come true. I cannot wait to get out there and start working.

Special Agent: Everything is surreal. Finally it’s here—it’s finally here!

Halpern: Agents embark on their career with a charge from the Director…

Comey: ...take what’s always been great about the FBI and make it even better.

Halpern: From the FBI Academy, I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau with FBI, This Week.