Democrats seek outside inquiry
Schumer says faith in justice ‘shattered’
Lawmakers demand special prosecutor over Russia ties
President Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey in the middle of investigations into possible Trump campaign ties to last year’s alleged Russian meddling in U.S. elections caused a firestorm of protest from Democratic members of Congress. Many called for the appointment of a special prosecutor.
Some equated the firing with events known as the “Saturday Night Massacre” during the Watergate scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said he told Trump he had made a “big mistake.”
Schumer wondered whether the firing meant Comey’s investigation was “getting too close to home” and said the handling of a credible investigation depends on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein naming a “fearless, independent” special prosecutor.
“Mr. Rosenstein, America depends on you to restore faith in our criminal justice system, which is going to be badly shattered after the administration’s actions,” Schumer said.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called for a special congressional committee on Russia, and Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., said he and his staff were “reviewing legislation to establish an independent commission on Russia.”