U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Thursday the Federal Bureau of Investigation is opening a Resident Agency office in Paducah.
McConnell’s office said earlier this year, the Kentucky senator contacted FBI Director Christopher Wray to advocate for opening the Paducah facility. McConnell said the additional federal resources, working in collaboration with local and state agencies, could make a difference in keeping west Kentucky safe.
McConnell said federal resources could be vital in combating the ‘drug abuse epidemic’ and in aiding in crisis situations like the fatal Marshall County shooting last January.
He said the office could also provide additional support if anything were to happen at the Paducah’s Gaseous Diffusion Plant- which contains sensitive energy materials.
McConnell said local law enforcement officials have voiced their support for the FBI to return to the region since the closure of the Paducah satellite office in 2007.
Paducah Police Chief Brandon Barnhill said he looks forward to increasing their partnership with the FBI.
