FBI Director Addresses National Press Club

Today, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III addressed an audience following a luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The speech, entitled “The FBI and the Media: A Century of Service to the American People,” discussed the common mission to serve the public good shared by the FBI and the press.

As this year marks the 100th anniversary of both the FBI and the National Press Club, Director Mueller highlighted ways this complex relationship has changed over the years, from the early days of John Dillinger and “Babyface” Nelson to the post-9/11 era. He also addressed the FBI’s responsibility to ensure security and protect civil liberties.

“In the end, if we in the FBI safeguard our civil liberties but leave our country vulnerable to terrorist attack, we have lost,” he said. “If we protect America from terrorism but sacrifice our civil liberties, we have also lost. Every day, the men and women of the Bureau must strike this balance.”

For the full text of Director Mueller’s speech and more information about the FBI’s 100th anniversary, visit www.fbi.gov.