Strzok Says Saddened by FBIs Decision to Fire Him - Statement

WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 14th August, 2018) Former FBI Special Agent Peter Strzok in a statement on Monday said that he is saddened by the agencys decision to fire him.

Strzok, who during the 2016 election sent disparaging text messages about then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, was fired Friday afternoon by Deputy Director David Bowdich.

"Deeply saddened by this decision," Strzok said via Twitter. "It has been an honor to serve my country and work with the fine men and women of the FBI."

Earlier in the day, Strzoks lawyer Aitan Goelman said the FBI fired his client due to political pressure and violated his right to free speech. He also said Strzoks political views never affected his work.

In June, the US Justice Department Inspector General said in a report that the comments Strzok made in text messages about preventing then-presidential candidate Donald Trump from getting elected were antithetical to the departments core values.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller last year removed Strzok from the probe into Russian election meddling and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.

Trump in a tweet on Monday called for an end to Muellers "witch hunt" in light of Strzoks firing.

Russia and Trump have denied all allegations of collusion. Moscow has described election interference accusations as groundless attacks by lawmakers and media to divert attention from more pressing issues like fraud and corruption.