The White House has named Brian Driscoll, a veteran agent, to serve as acting FBI director. This appointment is pending the Senate confirmation of Kash Patel, who President Donald Trump selected as director, and follows the retirement of Paul Abbate, who had been expected to serve as acting director.

Driscoll has stated that Robert Kissane, a counterterrorism official, will serve as acting deputy director. Driscoll and Kissane operate as Special Agents in Charge (SACs), possessing field leadership experience.

“As active Agents, Driscoll and Kissane have a deep understanding of the Bureau’s mission, and the challenges faced by Agents which will serve both the FBI and the nation well during this transition,” said the Federal Bureau of Investigations Agents Association in a statement. “The FBIAA stands ready to support Acting Director Driscoll and Acting Deputy Director Kissane in these important roles.”