WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey:

“President Trump’s firing of Director Comey in the midst of an active criminal investigation of his inner circle is shocking and disturbing.  This action could paralyze the FBI’s investigation into the Trump campaign’s alleged collusion with Russian officials, and the Trump Organization’s potential ties to Russian interests.

“The explanation from the White House is highly implausible and the timing and circumstances surrounding this decision raise serious questions about the President’s motives.  President Trump knew about the supposed grounds for Director Comey’s termination when he invited Director Comey to join the Administration, and the explanations coming from the Justice Department now just don’t add up.

“The only way we can resolve this situation now is with a special prosecutor.  The investigation must be overseen by someone the President cannot fire at will.

“The Trump Administration has demonstrated a pattern of ignoring precedent and moving forward in a way that is most beneficial to their political self-interest.  It is worth noting that many officials involved in this investigation have either been removed from their posts or have been forced to recuse themselves due to personal involvement.  This process needs to be moved out of the political realm and into the hands of an independent special prosecutor."