Christopher Wray sworn in as FBI director

United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions swore in Chris Wray as the new director of the FBI on Wednesday afternoon.

Sessions praised Wray's "spirit' and "strength of character," and said, "I am confident that the FBI, the premier investigative agency in the world, is in great hands with Director Chris Wray at the helm."

"As a former federal prosecutor and head of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division, Chris Wray has successfully prosecuted terrorists, drug kingpins, and white-collar criminals, and earned the respect of his colleagues at DOJ, as well as bipartisan support from the Senate," he added.

In a statement issued by the FBI, Wray called his new role "the honour of a lifetime."

"I long ago grew to know and admire the FBI from my earliest days as a line prosecutor to my years as assistant attorney general. I am excited, humbled, and grateful, therefore, to have this chance to work side-by-side again with these fine professionals for the good of the country and the cause of justice," he said.

Wray has taken over the agency following the firing of former FBI director James Comey by President Donald Trump in May, amid the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with Trump campaign associates.

Wray was confirmed by the Senate by a 92-5 vote on Tuesday.

Wray formerly worked in the Department of Justice under former President George W. Bush.