The news was confirmed in a White House statement on Tuesday evening.
James Comey has been removed as Director of the FBI by US President Donald Trump.
In a statement released by Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Tuesday, it was confirmed that Comey had been removed from his role and the search for a new director would begin immediately.
Statement from @WhiteHouse @PressSec on @FBI Director pic.twitter.com/EdBRntMim5
— Kayleigh McEnany 45 Archived (@PressSec45) May 9, 2017
“Today, President Donald J. Trump informed FBI Director James Comey that he has been terminated and removed from office,” the statement read.
“President Trump acted based on the clear recommendations of both Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.”
“The FBI is one of our nation’s most cherished and respected institutions and today will mark a new beginning for our crown jewel of law enforcement,” Trump said in the statement.
“A search for a new permanent FBI Director will begin immediately.”