'Constitutional Crisis': Mass. Lawmakers Call for Special Prosecutor After Comey Firing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Massachusetts lawmakers on Wednesday called for a special prosecutor to investigate possible connections between Russia and associates of President Donald Trump amid questions about the timing of his decision to fire FBI Director James Comey.

Comey was fired Tuesday night, igniting a firestorm of speculation from both sides of the aisle. The White House said the ousting was initiated by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and came because Comey's had lost the trust of both Democrats and Republicans. The White House specifically cited Comey's handling of the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server as an example of his perceived missteps.

But not everyone's buying the official explanation. Comey's firing comes amid an FBI probe - led by him - into possible ties between Trump associates and the Russian government, renewing bipartisan calls for a special prosecutor to look into the case.

Massachusetts' senators and U.S. representatives, all Democrats, echoed those calls Wednesday. In a statement, Sen. Ed Markey condemned the action as a "Constitutional crisis" and Sen. Elizabeth Warren said it smelled of a cover up to her and would necessitate further investigation.

Read Markey's full statement in which he compares the firing to the Nixon Watergate scandal below:

“President Trump’s firing of Director Comey sets a deeply alarming precedent as multiple investigations into possible Trump campaign or administration collusion with Russia remain ongoing, including an FBI investigation. This episode is disturbingly reminiscent of the Saturday Night Massacre during the Watergate scandal and the national turmoil that it caused. We are careening ever closer to a Constitutional crisis, and this development only underscores why we must appoint a special prosecutor to fully investigate any dealings the Trump campaign or administration had with Russia.”

Several other Massachusetts representatives released statements as well or tweeted about the need for a special prosecutor.

Rep. Stephen Lynch called some of Comey's actions a deep failure, but urged colleagues to investigate further:

“F.B.I. Director Comey’s actions in the closing days of the recent Presidential election constituted a deep failure in judgment. However, in the midst of an F.B.I. investigation into Russian interference with the Presidential election, the timing of his removal raises profound questions regarding the ability and willingness of the Department of Justice to carry out its mission on behalf of the American people. That mission is to enforce the law and ensure the impartial administration of justice even when doing so may reach the highest levels of our Government.
The American people deserve answers and a comprehensive, transparent, and accountable investigation into reports that a foreign government deliberately interfered with our most sacred democratic institution. We also need to reassure all Americans that the rule of law is being followed, and that the President, Attorney General, and Deputy Attorney General are not trying to thwart justice. To this end, it is my intention to persuade my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Congress that a bipartisan, independent commission appointed by Congress, as well as a Special Prosecutor, are required to conduct a thorough investigation of these matters. Congress must take the necessary steps to see that this investigation is pursued with all deliberate speed and without any interference from the White House or the Department of Justice.”

Rep. Richard Neal called the firing a stunning development:

“Last night, President Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey who was leading the investigation into his administrations ties to the Russian government. This stunning development follows his removal of acting Attorney General Sally Yates and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, both highly respected and independent law enforcement officials. What we are witnessing from the White House is virtually unprecedented in American history and deeply troubling.
Since January, I have been calling for an independent and bipartisan investigation into the Kremlin’s interference in the 2016 presidential investigation. That act was nothing less than a direct assault on our democracy by a hostile foreign government. The abrupt dismissal of Director Comey only reinforces my belief that a special prosecutor is needed immediately. The American people deserve to know the truth.”