In a testimony before a House budget panel on Thursday, FBI Director Christopher Wray conveyed his increasing anxiety regarding the possibility of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil by ISIS-K, similar to the recent massacre at a Russian concert hall. Wray emphasized the elevated threats to national security and public safety, urging Congress not to let up in the fight against terrorism.

Reflecting on his law enforcement career, Wray stated, "I'd be hard pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once." This declaration comes as U.S. intelligence officials express concerns that ISIS-K may be planning coordinated attacks in both the United States and Europe sooner than anticipated.

Wray highlighted the immediate concern that individuals or small groups could be inspired by events in the Middle East and carry out attacks within the United States. However, recent terrorist activities, particularly the ISIS-K attack on the Moscow concert hall on March 23, have amplified fears of a larger-scale assault on American soil.

The Moscow attack, claimed by the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 143 lives and left more than 100 others injured, prompting U.S. officials to reassess the likelihood of such an incident occurring within their own borders.

During his testimony, Wray also emphasized the importance of continued support and resources from Congress, cautioning against any budget cuts for the department. He stressed the collaboration between the FBI, other law enforcement agencies, and officers on the ground, highlighting the essential role they play in protecting communities across the country.

"Every day, FBI agents, analysts, and professional staff are working shoulder to shoulder with thousands of task force officers from hundreds of different police departments and sheriffs' offices all over the country," Wray declared. He emphasized the FBI's provision of technology, expertise, investigative leads, and cutting-edge training to bolster the efforts of law enforcement nationwide in their mission to ensure the safety of American citizens.

Wray concluded by emphasizing that this is not a time to scale back on efforts to combat terrorism, urging Congress to provide the necessary tools, personnel, and resources to effectively address these threats and safeguard the American people.

As concerns over the potential for an ISIS-K attack on U.S. soil intensify, the testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray highlights the need for sustained vigilance and a united front in the face of heightened national security risks.