Fact check: Video shows Hawley questioning Wray about China spying, no evidence presented
The claim: Video shows Sen. Josh Hawley chastising FBI director and presenting proof of Chinese spying
An April 30 Facebook video (direct link, archive link) shows Sen. Josh Hawley questioning FBI Director Christopher Wray at a Senate hearing.
'WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP THEM-' Wray SWEAT at hearing after Josh Hawley's 'China s.pying' proof," reads the video's caption.
The video was viewed 15,000 times in less than a week.
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Our rating: False
The video shows Hawley questioning Wray about the bureau's investigation of then-President Donald Trump. Hawley also asked questions him about Chinese espionage in the U.S. He did not ask Wray why he didn't "stop them" or present proof of Chinese spying.
Hawley questions Wray about FBI investigation and potential Chinese spying
The exchange featured in the video took place at a July 2019 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on FBI oversight. Earlier that year, multiple media outlets reported the FBI had launched an investigation of then-president Trump's ties to Russia.
During the exchange, Wray testifies that Chinese spying is an "ongoing threat" in academic research settings. However, the social media video does not show him or Hawley, a Missouri Republican, presenting evidence related to spying. Rather, Hawley asks Wray a series of questions about the FBI's efforts to curb espionage.
At no point in the clip does Hawley or Wray say, "Why didn't you stop them?"
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Paste BN reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Our fact-check sources:
- C-SPAN, July 23, 2019, Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on FBI Oversight
- Paste BN, Jan 11, 2019, FBI investigated President Trump for possible secret Russian favors, reports say
- New York Times, Jan. 11, 2019, F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia
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