James Comey nominated as new FBI director

US President Barack Obama has nominated former deputy attorney general James Comey as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Speaking at a White House ceremony Friday, Obama praised Comey's "fierce independence and deep integrity" and his ability to handle challenges, a report said.

James Comey (Pic - AFP)

Comey was the number 2 official in former president George W Bush's Justice Department.

If approved by Congress, Comey will replace incumbent Director Robert Mueller, whose term was extended at Obama's request by two years and is scheduled to expire in September.

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