FBI Special Agent Peter Strzok has been fired, following the discovery of text messages by Strzok that disparaged Donald Trump during the 2106 presidential campaign. Strzok, a 21-year FBI veteran, had been instrumental in the FBI investigation into Hilary Clinton’s private email server, and took part in the FBI recommendation that no criminal charges be brought against Clinton. Peter Strzok was also involved in beginning of the FBI investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 Presidential election.
Originally, and in accordance with FBI procedure, the FBI Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) had made the decision to demote Peter Strzok from supervisory duties, along with giving him a 60-day suspension. On Friday, August 10, FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich reversed that decision.
“Agent Peter Strzok was just fired from the FBI – finally. The list of bad players in the FBI & DOJ gets longer & longer,” tweeted Donald Trump. “Based on the fact that Strzok was in charge of the Witch Hunt, will it be dropped? It is a total Hoax. No Collusion, No Obstruction – I just fight back!”
Later, Trump tweeted, “Just fired Agent Strzok, formerly of the FBI, was in charge of the Crooked Hillary Clinton sham investigation. It was a total fraud on the American public and should be properly redone!”
Strzok and a former FBI attorney, Lisa Page, had been involved in an extramarital affair, and had exchanged numerous text messages mocking politicians from both parties, but showing particular disdain for Donald Trump. Before the 2016 presidential election, Page and Strzok exchanged a set of texts that, when discovered, appeared to Trump supporters to be evidence that Strzok’s political views could impact the Russia investigation.
Lisa Page texted, “(Trump is) “not ever going to become president, right? Right?!” Strzok’s response was “No. No he’s not. We’ll stop it.” Later, Strzok explained that by that he meant that, because of Trump’s behavior, voters would never support him.
Peter Strzok has apologized, and maintains that at no time have his personal political beliefs influenced his actions as an FBI agent. His 21 years of service have born that out. It remains to be seen how, or if, Strzok’s firing will impact the ongoing Russia investigation.
“The suggestion that I’m in some dark chamber somewhere in the FBI would somehow cast aside all of these procedures, all of these safeguards, and somehow be able to do this is astounding to me — it simply couldn’t happen,” Peter Strzok has said.
Strzok lawyer claims firing was politically motivated | Fox News [2018-08-13]
FBI Fires Agent Peter Strzok, Who Sent Anti-Trump Texts | NBC Nightly News
[2018-08-13]
