Republican Erik Paulsen Calls For Independent Investigation

On Wednesday, Minnesota Third District Congressman Erik Paulsen, who represents the west Twin Cities metro, released the following statement regarding the firing of FBI Director James Comey:

"Maintaining public trust in the integrity of our elections as well as our institutions, such as the FBI, is of the utmost importance," said Congressman Paulsen. "For 10 months, the FBI has been investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. The extraordinary decision to fire Director Comey definitely raises questions which must be answered. I believe these circumstances call for an independent investigation that the American people can trust with confidence."

Comey is the third high-ranking law enforcement official to be fired by Trump. Former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates and former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara were both terminated earlier in the year, and both were also reported to be investigating Trump officials at the time.

• Read more at White House Patch: FBI Director James Comey Fired; Memos Cite Clinton Email Probe

Paulsen serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

Image via Office of U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen