Montco's Rep. Boyle Laments Firing Of FBI Director James Comey

Montgomery County's U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D PA-13) had strong words in the wake of President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday, calling for the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and repeating his demands for further investigation into the role Russia may have played in the 2016 election.

"Just over two months ago (March 2nd), I called for a Special Investigator into Russian meddling in our 2016 election," Boyle said. "This evening, I repeat it with an unparalleled urgency after what transpired with President Trump abruptly firing FBI Director James Comey today."

At issue, Boyle said, was the timing of the firing.

"To fire the the Director of the FBI in the midst of one of the most critical national security investigations in the history of our country — one that implicates senior officials in the President's own campaign and administration, leaves no question in my mind that a Special Prosecutor must be empowered to uncover the truth here."

Comey has been a frequent focal point of furor from both Democrats and Republicans, as he led investigations into both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump's campaigns.

"While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the bureau," Trump wrote in a termination letter to Comey. "It is essential that we find new leadership for the F.B.I. that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission."

Last week, Comey revealed that he was under investigation for his handling of the Clinton email investigation. But Comey's termination is sure to draw heightened scrutiny because of the FBI's investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian spies whom officials believe hacked into the files of Democratic Party officials during the 2016 campaign.

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.

Richard Painter, a law professor and former chief of White House ethics under President George W. Bush, agreed with Boyle.

"An independent prosecutor is needed for Trump-Russia now," he said on Twitter.

Other local area Pennsylvania Congressmen, including Rep. Pat Meehan and Rep. Ryan Costello, have not chimed in yet on Comey's firing.

>>WATCH: Montco Congressman Boyle Interviewed On CNN About Russia, Attorney General

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Image via U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle's Office