Outgoing FBI director Robert Mueller has admitted that his organization has used drones for domestic surveillance within the United States.
Mueller made his remarks Wednesday at what is likely to be his last morning testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill before he retires after an 11-year term.
He added that the drones were used on a "very, very minimal basis," saying: "We are in the early stages of doing that, and I will tell you that our footprint is very small, we have very few, and have limited use. And we're exploring not only the use, but the necessary guidelines for that use."
Mueller also defended NSA practice at the hearing, noting that surveillance went hand in hand with drone use: "If we're going to prevent terrorist attacks, we have to be on their communications. You never know which dot will be critical. You need as many as you can get."
Mueller's term as head of FBI ends in September.
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