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James Comey fired: calls for special prosecutor after Trump sacks FBI director – live updates James Comey fired: calls for special prosecutor after Trump sacks FBI director – live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.33am BST
01:33
Comey won't talk to press tonight
FBI LA Field Office Says Comey not speaking tonight - returning to DC
CNN has been musing on how exactly Comey will return to DC.
They say Comey flew out to meet FBI staff on a special, secure, plane which has a hotline to the president and other security features. Now he has been relieved of his position how will he get home?
“Does he come back on that plane, does he have to fly commercial. We don’t know,” says Evan Perez, justice correspondent.
1.31am BST
01:31
Trump’s controversial move has found *some* support from Republicans.
Senator Susan Collins released a statement says suggestions that the firing of Comey was related to the FBI’s investigation of Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election were “misplaced”.
The President did not fire the entire FBI; he fired the director. I have every confidence that the FBI will continue to pursue its investigation. In addition, I am certain that the Senate Intelligence Committee, on which I serve, will continue its own bipartisan investigation and will follow the evidence wherever it leads. I hope that the next FBI Director will have the same kind of integrity, intelligence, and determination that Mr. Comey exhibited, but perhaps better judgment on when it is appropriate to comment publicly on the results of an investigation.”
1.28am BST
01:28
Fox News is drawing attention to the fact that Bill Clinton also fired an FBI director.
Since 1972, Comey is only the second FBI Director to be removed by the President. https://t.co/IO7R1bJKjl
Clinton did indeed sack Sessions in 1993 on the basis of an ethics investigation into his conduct carried out under George HW Bush into alleged abuse of office. However, Julian Borger explained in January that any move by Trump to dismiss Comey while the president’s associates were under investigation would be highly controversial and akin to Richard Nixon’s dismissal of special prosecutor Archibald Cox in 1973.
1.27am BST
01:27
Seems this is not quite going according to the administration’s plan ...
White House told allies that Democrats wouldn't be able to protest it because of their previous Comey criticisms https://t.co/2auSk02122
1.26am BST
01:26
Trump plans to meet Lavrov on Wednesday
Timing!
In possible sign of closer ties between US and Russia, Trump plans to meet Russia's foreign minister at White House. https://t.co/n9K6nEy2Gr
1.19am BST
01:19
Andrew McCabe now in charge of FBI – reports
CNN says the deputy director is now acting director of the bureau while Jeff Sessions reviews potential candidates to take Comey’s place.
1.16am BST
01:16
More Democrat senators are expressing disquiet over the sacking of Comey:
I share the Chairman's concern. https://t.co/evw8G5o2DD
It defies logic to believe @POTUS fired Comey for any other reason than to interfere with the #TrumpRussia investigation. My statement: pic.twitter.com/IONbskhYr2
1.07am BST
01:07
Keith Schiller hand delivered letter to FBI
Ben Jacobs
The Guardian confirmed that Keith Schiller, Trump’s longtime bodyguard, hand delivered a copy of letter sacking Comey to the FBI.
Schiller, whose title in the administration is “Director of Oval Office Operations,” is the subject of ongoing litigation for allegedly assaulting protestors outside Trump Tower in 2015.
The loyal Trump aide has worked for the President since 1999 when he was first hired to be Trump’s bodyguard and constantly accompanied Trump on the campaign trial.
The dispatch of Schiller, a former New York City policeman, to formally notify Comey of his firing is one of the more unusual aspects of the drama. Comey, as we have noted below, was not in Washington to receive the letter and instead, reportedly learned of his dismissal from television news.
1.05am BST
01:05
Jeffrey Toobin, CNN’s senior legal analyst and former federal prosecutor, make a great point about the Trump letter which “terminated” James Comey’s employment. In the letter Trump thanks Comey for apparently three times telling him he was not under investigation. (BTW: we don’t know whether that statement is actually true).
It is not normal. This is not how presidents behave. They don’t exonerate themselves in letters in which they fire the person who is investigating them. It is just not how American history has unfolded.”
1.02am BST
01:02
More on how Comey learned he was out.
Understand that #Comey was in mid speech addressing agents in LA when handed a note by aide. He read it & told staff he'd been fired
1.01am BST
01:01
It is not just Democrats who are concerned over the administration’s treatment of Comey. Republican senator and Trump supporter Richard Burr has been tweeting his thoughts and says he was troubled by the “timing and reasoning” of the termination.
My statement on the dismissal of FBI Director Comey https://t.co/ovoe34xajZ pic.twitter.com/1hB0QveczE
His dismissal further confuses an already difficult investigation by the Committee.
His dismissal, I believe, is a loss for the Bureau and the nation.
12.51am BST12.51am BST
00:5100:51
Here is a video of Chuck Schumer describing how he told Trump that he was making a “big mistake” firing Comey and that the president needs to answer a key question: “Why now?”.Here is a video of Chuck Schumer describing how he told Trump that he was making a “big mistake” firing Comey and that the president needs to answer a key question: “Why now?”.
Sen. Schumer to President Trump on firing James Comey: "You are making a big mistake" https://t.co/6IqYfEE8QVSen. Schumer to President Trump on firing James Comey: "You are making a big mistake" https://t.co/6IqYfEE8QV
In response, a White House aide has circulated a memo detailing times when Schumer criticised Comey.In response, a White House aide has circulated a memo detailing times when Schumer criticised Comey.
BREAKING: WH aide just handed this out, noting Schumer's recent criticisms of Comey. pic.twitter.com/wdq2RdnUXzBREAKING: WH aide just handed this out, noting Schumer's recent criticisms of Comey. pic.twitter.com/wdq2RdnUXz
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.52am BSTat 12.52am BST
12.48am BST12.48am BST
00:4800:48
GOP congressman and Freedom Caucus member Justin Amash has said wants an independent commission on Russia to be set up in the wake of Comey’s sacking.GOP congressman and Freedom Caucus member Justin Amash has said wants an independent commission on Russia to be set up in the wake of Comey’s sacking.
My staff and I are reviewing legislation to establish an independent commission on Russia. The second paragraph of this letter is bizarre. https://t.co/wXeDtVIQiPMy staff and I are reviewing legislation to establish an independent commission on Russia. The second paragraph of this letter is bizarre. https://t.co/wXeDtVIQiP
12.44am BST12.44am BST
00:4400:44
Hello, Bonnie Malkin here picking up the blog from Sam for the coming hours.Hello, Bonnie Malkin here picking up the blog from Sam for the coming hours.
The New York Times is reporting that Comey learned of his firing while he was addressing FBI employees in Los Angeles.The New York Times is reporting that Comey learned of his firing while he was addressing FBI employees in Los Angeles.
Comey learned of firing as he addressed FBI employees in LA. TV screens in background flashed news of firing. Letter was then given to FBI.Comey learned of firing as he addressed FBI employees in LA. TV screens in background flashed news of firing. Letter was then given to FBI.
12.37am BST12.37am BST
00:3700:37
What led to Comey's downfallWhat led to Comey's downfall
Guardian reporters Sabrina Siddiqui and Ben Jacobs have an analysis on how Comey became tangled in the US election and what led to his downfall:Guardian reporters Sabrina Siddiqui and Ben Jacobs have an analysis on how Comey became tangled in the US election and what led to his downfall:
His decision to use a lengthy press conference to clear Clinton of any criminal activity on 6 July – even as he characterized her behavior as “extremely careless” – was met with scorn by Trump and Republicans running to thwart her White House ambitions.His decision to use a lengthy press conference to clear Clinton of any criminal activity on 6 July – even as he characterized her behavior as “extremely careless” – was met with scorn by Trump and Republicans running to thwart her White House ambitions.
That moment swiftly transformed Comey into Public Enemy No 1 on the right, which accused him of giving Clinton preferential treatment as the central plank of their campaign collapsed, after months of arguing that her email use had disqualified her from the presidency.That moment swiftly transformed Comey into Public Enemy No 1 on the right, which accused him of giving Clinton preferential treatment as the central plank of their campaign collapsed, after months of arguing that her email use had disqualified her from the presidency.
Here’s the full piece:Here’s the full piece:
And with that, we’re passing the blog to our colleague Bonnie Malkin, who will continue to post live updates here.And with that, we’re passing the blog to our colleague Bonnie Malkin, who will continue to post live updates here.
12.27am BST12.27am BST
00:2700:27
Chuck Schumer calls for special prosecutorChuck Schumer calls for special prosecutor
The Senate minority leader has weighed in:The Senate minority leader has weighed in:
First Pres Trump fired Sally Yates, then Preet Bharara. Now #Comey. Doesn't seem like an accident. We must have a special prosecutor.First Pres Trump fired Sally Yates, then Preet Bharara. Now #Comey. Doesn't seem like an accident. We must have a special prosecutor.
He added, “If we don’t get a special prosecutor, every American will rightfully suspect that the decision to fire #Comey was part of a cover-up.”He added, “If we don’t get a special prosecutor, every American will rightfully suspect that the decision to fire #Comey was part of a cover-up.”
Meanwhile Brian Schatz, US senator from Hawaii has offered an even stronger rebuke of Trump:Meanwhile Brian Schatz, US senator from Hawaii has offered an even stronger rebuke of Trump:
We are in a full-fledged constitutional crisis.We are in a full-fledged constitutional crisis.
12.21am BST
00:21
Comey is just the latest high-profile firing by the president whose trademark line on reality TV was, “You’re fired.”
On 30 January – amid nationwide uproar over Trump’s travel ban for seven Muslim-majority countries – Trump fired the acting US attorney general, Sally Yates.
Yates had written a letter to justice department attorneys advising them that she was not “convinced that the executive order is lawful.” She was fired within three hours, touching off the first round of comparisons between Trump’s young administration and Nixon’s Saturday night massacre.
Preet Bharara, the US attorney for the southern district of New York, was fired by Trump on 10 March, after he refused to resign. Bharara had a national profile thanks to his prosecutions and investigations into Wall Street and New York politicians.
Trump has also aimed his fire closer to home. On Friday, the Washington Post reported that chief usher Angella Reid was fired. Reid was the first woman and second African American to hold the post, which involves overseeing the White House residential staff.
12.12am BST
00:12
John McCain 'disappointed' in Comey firing
John McCain, the Republican senator from Arizona, is criticizing Trump’s decision to fire Comey and repeating his calls for a special congressional committee to investigate Russia ties:
While the President has the legal authority to remove the Director of the FBI, I am disappointed in the President’s decision to remove James Comey from office. James Comey is a man of honor and integrity, and he has led the FBI well in extraordinary circumstances. I have long called for a special congressional committee to investigate Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. The president’s decision to remove the FBI Director only confirms the need and the urgency of such a committee.”
12.04am BST
00:04
Democrat calls for emergency hearings in Congress
Congressman Elijah Cummings, ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has called for “immediate emergency hearings” on Comey’s termination:
Congress needs to have immediate emergency hearings to obtain testimony directly from Attorney General Sessions, the deputy attorney general, and FBI Director Comey. The White House was already covering up for Michael Flynn by refusing to provide a single document to Congress, and now the President fired the one independent person who was doing the most to investigate President Trump and his campaign over allegations of coordination with Russia. It is mindboggling that the Attorney General – who claimed to have recused himself – was directly involved in the decision to fire Director Comey according to the White House itself. There is now a crisis of confidence at the Justice Department, and President Trump is not being held accountable because House Republicans refuse to work with us to do our job. Congress must restore credibility, accountability, and transparency to this investigation and finally pass legislation to create a truly independent commission.”
11.59pm BST
23:59
Deputy attorney general: Comey mishandled Clinton email investigation
Here are some excerpts from deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein’s memo on Comey’s firing, which goes into great detail about the FBI’s handling of Hillary Clinton’s emails:
“I cannot defend the Director’s handling of the conclusion of the investigation of Secretary Clinton’s emails, and I do not understand his refusal to accept the nearly universal judgment that he was mistaken.”
“The Director was wrong to usurp the Attorney General’s authority on July 5, 2016, and announce his conclusion that the case should be closed without prosecution.”
“The Director ignored another longstanding principle: we do not hold press conferences to release derogatory information about the subject of a declined criminal investigation.
The Rosenstein letter is remarkable. Comey is being fired for his press statement in July 2016 about Clinton https://t.co/RlUBQf4x00
11.50pm BST
23:50
Comey has not yet released a statement on his firing. According to one CNN reporter, he is not in Washington DC but traveling in California.
"He actually is on the road, he's in California for an event in Los Angeles," @evanperez on @CNN w confirmation of #Comey whereabouts.
He was reportedly scheduled to speak at a recruitment event in Los Angeles.
You are #wanted by the FBI! Time is running out to apply and meet the FBI Director at tonight's #hiring event in LA https://t.co/qSCGhZXaqR
11.40pm BST
23:40
Julia Carrie Wong
Here’s a quick overview of Comey’s legacy in the FBI and recent political controversies:
Comey’s FBI conducted investigations into both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump during the 2016 election – though he only disclosed the investigation into Trump’s ties with Russia after his inauguration.
The FBI director’s controversial decision to release new details about the investigation into Clinton’s email server just days before the election prompted widespread outrage – and lingering suspicion that he swayed the final outcome.
Comey was appointed to the top FBI post by Barack Obama in 2013. He served in the George W Bush administration as a US attorney and deputy attorney general, before spending several years in the private sector.
Comey was the country’s top law enforcement during the period of turbulence over police killings of African Americans. He drew widespread condemnation for statements suggesting that violent crime was rising because law enforcement had been hampered by the so-called “Ferguson effect”.
Comey also waged a high-profile campaign against encryption, calling for tech companies to create “backdoors” to allow law enforcement access to user’s data.
11.35pm BST
23:35
Dems: 'This is Nixonian'
Several Democratic officials have compared Trump’s decision to fire Comey to Richard Nixon’s “Saturday night massacre” when the president removed the special Watergate prosecutor, Archibald Cox, leading to the the resignation of attorney general Elliot Richardson.
From Martin Heinrich, US senator from New Mexico:
President Trump’s dismissal of FBI Director Comey smacks of President Nixon's Saturday Night Massacre.
Senator Bob Casey called the termination “Nixonian” in a statement and noted Comey’s earlier statements saying he was authorized by the justice department to confirm the FBI’s investigations into Russian interference with American elections:
This is Nixonian. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein must immediately appoint a special counsel to continue the Trump/Russia investigation. On March 20th Director Comey said, ‘I have been authorized by the Department of Justice to confirm that the FBI, as part of our counterintelligence mission, is investigating the Russian government’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia’s efforts.’
This investigation must be independent and thorough in order to uphold our nation’s system of justice.”
11.28pm BST
23:28
Here are some initial high-profile reactions to the termination of Comey, a polarizing figure whose decision to disclose an inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s emails just before the election last year sparked widespread debate.
From a former Clinton manager:
Twilight zone. I was as disappointed and frustrated as anyone at how the email investigation was handled. But this terrifies me.
Edward Snowden, who has been targeted by the FBI, criticized the firing, saying: “every American should condemn such political interference in the Bureau’s work.”
This FBI Director has sought for years to jail me on account of my political activities. If I can oppose his firing, so can you. https://t.co/zUp5kquy8q
From Clinton’s former vice presidential candidate:
Trump firing Comey shows how frightened the Admin is over Russia investigation
11.15pm BST
23:15
Donald Trump: 'You are not able to effectively lead'
Reporters have obtained copies of Trump’s letter to Comey, which states that the FBI director is “not able to effectively lead”:
While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgement of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau.
In March, Comey confirmed for the first time that the FBI was investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to interfere with the results of the presidential election. Here’s the full letter.
BREAKING: Full letter from Trump to Comey says former FBI Director "not able to effectively lead the Bureau." pic.twitter.com/P7Y1nowqCF
And here is a copy of the released letter from attorney Jeff Sessions to Trump stating that he has concluded that a “fresh start is needed at the leadership of the FBI”, adding, “It is essential that this Department of Justice clearly reaffirm its commitment to longstanding principles that ensure the integrity and fairness of federal investigations and prosecutions.”
LETTER #2: AG Jeff Sessions to President Trump, recommending that FBI Director Comey be dismissed pic.twitter.com/mdZ0ZGFaaT
11.04pm BST
23:04
Donald Trump has fired James Comey, the director of the FBI, who has been at the center of numerous political controversies since the 2016 election. Tune in here for live updates and reactions to the unexpected termination.
Here’s the full statement released by the White House late Tuesday, which states that Trump’s decision was “based on the clear recommendations” of US attorney general Jeff Sessions and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein.
Statement from @WhiteHouse @PressSec on @FBI Director pic.twitter.com/EdBRntMim5
Trump said:
The FBI is one of our Nation’s most cherished and respected institutions and today will mark a new beginning for our crown jewel of law enforcement.”