U.S. President Donald J. Trump has fired FBI director amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of collusion between Russia and Mr. Trump’s campaign.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump informed FBI Director James Comey that he has been terminated and removed from office,” White House spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson added that President Trump acted based on the clear recommendations of both Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
“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,” President Trump was quoted as saying in the statement. A search for a new permanent FBI Director will begin immediately.
White House said it will immediately begin to search for a new permanent FBI Director.
President Barack Obama appointed Mr. Comey as FBI director in 2013.