FBI adds division aimed at WMDs

WASHINGTON, July 27 (UPI) -- The FBI is creating an investigative division in Washington specifically aimed at preventing terrorist attacks with weapons of mass destruction.

Chosen to head up the new directorate is a former manager and scientist from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Vahid Majidi, The Washington Post reports.

In announcing the new division, FBI Director Robert Mueller said intelligence agencies need to pay special attention to the dangers of weapons of mass destruction and the chances that the devices will be obtained by terror groups.

"This is a reflection of the necessity of focusing our efforts on preventing weapons of mass destruction from being utilized in the United States," Mueller said.

Mueller also told reporters he has hired an associate deputy to oversee finances and other administrative duties and is reshuffling several senior positions.

Mueller's efforts to turn the FBI into a modern domestic intelligence agency have been complicated by a high turnover rate as companies use fat salaries and generous benefits to lure agents to the private sector, the Post said.