David J. Scott Appointed Assistant Director of FBI Counterterrorism Division
David J. Scott has been appointed as the new Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division at the FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., according to an announcement by FBI Director Christopher Wray. This marks a significant advancement for Scott, who most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Criminal/Cyber Division at the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Career Overview and Key Roles
David J. Scott brings over two decades of experience with the FBI, having joined the agency as a special agent in 2003. Over the years, he has taken on a variety of roles in criminal, counterterrorism, and cybercrime investigations. His journey with the Bureau has included high-profile assignments and leadership roles focused on tackling organized crime, public corruption, terrorism, and white-collar crime.
Early Years at the FBI
- 2003: Began his career at the Louisville Field Office, where he handled criminal investigations and served on the SWAT team.
- 2006: Transferred to the Washington Field Office, where he investigated organized crime, counterterrorism, public corruption, and white-collar crime.
Leadership Promotions
- 2012: Promoted to Supervisory Special Agent within the International Terrorism Operations Section.
- 2014: Advanced to Unit Chief, managing international terrorism investigations across the northeastern United States.
- 2016: Returned to the Washington Field Office as Supervisory Special Agent, overseeing the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which focuses on interagency counterterrorism efforts.
- 2018: Selected as Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Counterterrorism Division at the Washington Field Office, where he managed all international terrorism threats to the National Capital Region.
- 2020: Promoted to Section Chief of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, overseeing the Bureau’s investigations into public corruption, civil rights, international corruption, and international human rights cases.
- 2021: Elevated to Deputy Assistant Director of the Cyber Division at FBI Headquarters, where he supervised the operational branch and led the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force.
- 2024: Appointed as Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal/Cyber Division of the Washington Field Office, where he oversaw the FBI’s cybercrime and criminal investigations in one of the Bureau’s most critical regions.
Education and Military Service
Mr. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a master’s degree in administration of justice from the University of Louisville.
Before joining the FBI, he served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, gaining essential leadership and operational experience that would later inform his career in federal law enforcement.
Responsibilities as Assistant Director of Counterterrorism
As the new Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division, Mr. Scott will oversee the FBI’s efforts to detect, investigate, and disrupt domestic and international terrorist threats. This division plays a vital role in the Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF), which coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to identify and neutralize terror plots before they can be carried out.
Given his extensive experience in counterterrorism, cybercrime, and public corruption investigations, Scott is expected to bring a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach to his new role. His tenure at the Cyber Division and his oversight of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section position him well to handle the increasingly interconnected nature of terrorism and cyber threats.
With more than 20 years of service to the FBI and a strong background in counterterrorism, cybercrime, and leadership, David J. Scott is uniquely qualified to serve as the Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division. His new role will place him at the forefront of U.S. counterterrorism strategy, ensuring the nation is prepared to address both domestic and international threats.
Director Christopher Wray’s appointment of Scott is seen as a strategic move, drawing on Scott’s experience in joint terrorism task forces, anti-corruption initiatives, and cybersecurity operations. His tenure is expected to bolster the FBI’s capacity to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.