U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement about the firing today of FBI Director James Comey:

"President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey is a blatant attempt to stall the FBI's ongoing investigation of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. It is also part of a disturbing trend -- first, former acting Attorney General Sally Yates is fired by Trump after informing the White House of deep concerns about Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and his activities with Russia. Now, Comey is fired by Trump a week after testifying that the FBI is conducting its investigation. 

"Trump may well be trying to distract the American people from the very troubling conflicts of interest, and those connections between Trump's former national security adviser and Russia that were known about for some 18 days before Trump reluctantly fired Flynn. It is past time for an independent, bipartisan investigation.  Trump may want to bury the investigation, but his presidency will continue under a cloud unless a special prosecutor or independent commission is established and the facts are fully presented to the American people."

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