Social media reacts to Comey’s firing

People took to social media Tuesday to express shock at the news that President Trump had fired FBI Director James Comey, with some calling the decision suspicious and raising questions about how the firing will affect investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Trump fired Comey based on the recommendation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.

“It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission,” the president wrote in a letter to Comey dated Tuesday. 

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Lawmakers, celebrities, reporters and political observers took to social media to share their reactions to the news.

Say hello to FBI Director Kushner https://t.co/NqAGalsOpH

— Rep. Rick Larsen (@RepRickLarsen) May 9, 2017

Comey firing part of a growing pattern by White House to cover-up the truth

— Senator Tim Kaine (@timkaine) May 9, 2017

This is not what an innocent person would do. Firing the guy investigating #RussianHacking — without cause — is consciousness of guilt. https://t.co/KZkci2XRqc

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) May 9, 2017

The “you’re fired” approach doesn’t work when you’re President. @POTUS you’re creating a crisis of confidence in our Justice Department.

— Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) May 9, 2017

Trump’s firing of FBI Dir. #Comey raises serious questions & highlights need for special prosecutor to look into Trump-Russia ties.

— Senator Jack Reed (@SenJackReed) May 9, 2017

Firing of #Comey compromises investigation of White House ties to Russians – no doubt now special prosecutor is necessary.

— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) May 9, 2017

Ryan must appoint bipartisan, non-classified, public & transparent commission to investigate #TrumpRussia. Our democracy’s in danger. #Comey pic.twitter.com/GDGv0EfJnk

— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) May 9, 2017

I’m no fan of FBI Comey, but firing him in midst of Russia probe raises very serious concerns. Remember result of Nixon-Cox.

— Rep. Michael Capuano (@RepMikeCapuano) May 9, 2017

#Trump fired #Comey. Nixon fired Cox, Richardson, and Ruckelshaus. Didn’t work then, won’t work now. #SpecialCounsel

— Rep. Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) May 9, 2017

Now it’s even more important that an independent special counsel is appointed to investigate the Russian interference in our elections. pic.twitter.com/WcoxtbfSyW

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) May 9, 2017

MORE: @SenFeinstein: “The next FBI director must be strong and independent and will receive a fair hearing in the Judiciary Committee.” pic.twitter.com/3dEaQaJGyJ

— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) May 9, 2017

Twilight zone. I was as disappointed and frustrated as anyone at how the email investigation was handled. But this terrifies me.

— Robby Mook (@RobbyMook) May 9, 2017

And now Donald Trump gets to appoint the FBI director who will investigate Donald Trump.

— Lawrence O’Donnell (@Lawrence) May 9, 2017

I’ve thought all along that Trump was a legitimacy crisis waiting to happen. But so soon, so dramatically? Wow.

— Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) May 9, 2017

This FBI Director has sought for years to jail me on account of my political activities. If I can oppose his firing, so can you. https://t.co/zUp5kquy8q

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) May 9, 2017