Tipsheet

James Comey Was Fired Over The Phone; Saw It On Television First

Christine Rousselle
Christine Rousselle  |  May 09, 2017 7:55 PM

UPDATE: Evidently Comey initially thought it was a prank.

---Original Post---

Matt already wrote about how FBI Director James Comey was fired on Tuesday afternoon. Now, more details of his firing are coming out. According to FBI sources, Comey's termination came as a complete shock to just about everyone, and Comey was fired over the telephone while in Los Angeles on bureau travel. Comey may be permitted to address the FBI one last time, but these details are still being worked out.

Comey's termination was read to him over the phone while he was on bureau travel in Los Angeles, two FBI sources tell ABC News. He was there for a field office inspection and a diversity event.

FBI agents and staff are stunned by the news, sources told ABC News. Inside the FBI there are discussions about whether Comey will be able to address the bureau he led one final time, but it is not clear that will happen.

In addition to a statement, the White House released the letter that Trump wrote directly to Comey dismissing him at the recommendation of the attorney general and the deputy attorney general, "effective immediately."

Comey reportedly saw a television in the background of his presentation in Los Angeles with a news story about his firing before he knew he was fired.