WASHINGTON, D.C. (WBAY) - Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) issued a series of Tweets Wednesday morning on the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, saying the legitimacy of democracy relies on finding the truth.
"Like many Americans, I have serious concerns and unanswered questions about the timing of Director Comey's dismissal," Gallagher tweeted.
Like many Americans, I have serious concerns and unanswered questions about the timing of Director Comey's dismissal.
— Rep. Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) May 10, 2017
"It is imperative that both Congressional and FBI investigations into Russian interference in our country continue unimpeded and unaltered."
It is imperative that both Congressional and FBI investigations into Russian interference in our country continue unimpeded and unaltered.
— Rep. Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) May 10, 2017
Gallagher's statements come one day after President Donald Trump dismissed Comey, a move that sent shockwaves through Washington.
Trump said in a letter to Comey that he fired him based on a recommendation from the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said in a letter that the firing was partly due to Comey's "handling of the conclusion of the investigation of Secretary [Hillary] Clinton's emails."
On Wednesday, Trump told reporters at the White House that Comey "was not doing a good job."
However, critics of President Trump's decision speculate the firing was a response to the FBI's investigation into Russian interference with the 2016 Presidential election. Trump has long insisted that the investigation is "fake news" and denied any members of his staff had contacts with Russia.
During his series of Tweets Tuesday, Gallagher made it known his position on continuing the investigation into Russian interference.
"As I've discussed, Russia is no friend to the US. Its malicious activities here and abroad must not go unanswered," Gallagher tweeted. "As we continue these critical investigations, we must ruthlessly pursue the true [sic], wherever it may lead."
"We must put the sanctity of our democracy far, far above partisan interest.
We must put the sanctity of our democracy far, far above partisan interest.
— Rep. Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) May 10, 2017
"This goes for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. The American people deserve the truth, not politically-driven talking points."
This goes for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. The American people deserve the truth, not politically-driven talking points.
— Rep. Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) May 10, 2017
Trump on Tuesday also took to Twitter to defend his decision to fire Comey.
The President said Comey would be replaced by someone who would "bring back the spirit and prestige of the FBI."
The President also said both Democrats and Republicans would thank him for the move.
Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike. When things calm down, they will be thanking me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
Gallagher said America needs "a fearless, strong, and independent Director for the FBI. We must keep the faith with the American people.
"Americans deserve a full, fair, and honest account of what happened. They deserve the confidence that their government is telling the truth.
What we need now is a fearless, strong, and independent Director for the FBI. We must keep the faith with the American people.
— Rep. Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) May 10, 2017
"We cannot afford any lingering questions. The legitimacy of our democracy and the sanctity of the rule of law is too important.
We cannot afford any lingering questions. The legitimacy of our democracy and the sanctity of the rule of law is too important.
— Rep. Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) May 10, 2017
"I look forward to working with my colleagues as we conduct our constitutionally-mandated oversight responsibilities," Gallagher concluded.
The freshman congressman represents Northeast Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District. President Trump carried the district in the 2016 election.
Gallagher serves on the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees.
