WASHINGTON — The new FBI director has won the respect of both lawmen — and Mafia hit men.
At the swearing-in Monday of FBI Director Jim Comey, President Obama told how the former federal prosecutor garnered praise from “Lorenzo,” a Gambino hit man he put on trial.
“During the trial, Jim won an award from the New York City Bar Association,” Obama said at FBI headquarters. “When the court convened the next morning, everybody was buzzing about it. And suddenly, a note was passed down from the defendant’s table, across the aisle to the prosecutor’s table. It was handed to Jim.”
It read: “Dear Jim, congratulations on your award. No one deserves it more than you. You’re a true professional. Sincerely, Lorenzo.”
“We don’t know whether this was a veiled threat, or a plea for leniency, or an honest compliment. But I think it is fair to say that Jim has won the respect of folks across the spectrum,” Obama joked.
Comey took over last month for Robert Mueller, who retired after 12 years as director.