Chester County's Rep. Costello: Comey Firing 'Raises Questions'

Chester County's U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R PA-6) joined a growing bipartisan group of Congressmen that have expressed concerns regarding the sudden firing of FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday and the potential ramifications for an independent investigation into potential Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Comey was leading the probe into Russia and the nation's ties to the Trump administration when he was fired.

“To date, the explanation for the firing has been insufficient and the timing raises additional questions," Costello said Wednesday. "I have always maintained that any investigation into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 election must have the confidence of the American people. My constituents must have assurances that a non-partisan investigation will yield independent, well-grounded conclusions, and I certainly support that effort. At this time, I am continuing to gather more information.”

Trump said that Comey's firing came as a result of a recommendation from the Department of Justice, but media reports suggest that Trump told officials to "find a reason" to fire Comey.

Over the past year, Comey has sparked partisan ire from both Democrats and Republicans as he has led investigations of both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump's campaigns.

His firing sparked renewed calls from Democrats and some Republicans for a special investigator to address Russian interference in the election.Local Congressman like U.S. Rep. Boyle (D PA-13) have been calling for a special prosecutor for months. Costello did not go that far on Wednesday, stating instead his commitment to non-partisanship in the investigation and stating that he is "gathering more information."

>>Rep. Costello Splits From Trump, Leads GOP Fight Against Climate Change With Reps. Fitzpatrick, Meehan

Image via U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello's Office