The FBI has fired embattled agent Peter Strzok, who came under fire for sending text messages promising to “stop” Donald Trump from becoming president while leading the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russian officials to steal the election from Hillary Clinton.
Strzok, who formerly led the bureau’s investigation into both Trump and Clinton, was demoted to a human resources position within the FBI after anti-Trump text messages he sent to his mistress and co-worker, FBI lawyer Lisa Page, were made public.
The FBI previously announced Strzok had been demoted and would face a 60-day suspension after the text messages became public and an inspector general report heavily criticized the bureau’s conduct throughout their investigations into both presidential candidates.
“The decision to fire Special Agent Strzok is not only a departure from typical Bureau practice, but also contradicts Director Wray’s testimony to Congress and his assurances that the FBI intended to follow its regular process in this and all personnel matters,” Strzok’s lawyer said in a statement on Monday.
Last month, Strzok testified that his personal bias against Trump did not affect his investigation into either candidate, a claim that many Republicans rebuked.
