FBI Director Chris Wray says COVID-19 virus likely came from a lab leak in China

FBI Director Chris Wray joined Fox News' "Special Report" with Bret Baier where he stated that the COVID-19 virus likely came from a lab leak in China.

"The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan," Wray said during the interview. "Here you are talking about a potential leak from a Chinese government-controlled lab." 

Wray noted that the Chinese government attempted to "thwart and obfuscate" the FBI investigation into the leak, but the bureau is continuing its work. 

"Special Report" host Bret Baier asked Wray his thoughts on the FBI not having good standing with the public over the last couple years. According to recent Gallup polls, approval ratings for federal agencies such as the FBI have gone down. 

Wray defended the FBI and said that that agency conducts investigations in an "independent" manner. 

When asked about the accusations that the FBI has become political, Wray once again came to the FBI's defense. 

"I hear these claims of politicization," Wray answered. "But I can tell you that the FBI is, and is going to stay, independent. And that means following the facts wherever they lead, no matter who likes it."

"The FBI is on the American people's side, on the Constitution's side," he later said.