The article goes on at some length, but basically, it appears that Strzok was fired outside of the normal FBI procedure and chain of command, in defiance of prior assurances to Congress (could Director Wray potentially be on the hook for lying under oath to Congress?). While some of Strzok's comments were certainly inappropriate given his position, and warranted removal from the Mueller probe (as Mueller appropriately did), the Justice Department's investigation found no indication that his biases had affected the investigation. He was further disciplined by the FBI by being demoted and put on a 60-day suspension, as determined by the parties normally responsible for discipline. Then, in violation of normal FBI procedure and over the normal chain of command for such a situation, Deputy Director Bowdich fired him.Washington (CNN) - The FBI has fired Peter Strzok, an agent who was removed from the Russia probe last year for sending text messages disparaging President Donald Trump, Strzok's lawyer said Monday.
Aitan Goelman, Strzok's attorney, said FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich ordered the agent's termination on Friday. Goelman said that the deputy director's decision comes after the head of the office that normally handles disciplinary actions decided Strzok should instead face a demotion and 60-day suspension.
"the decision to fire Special Agent Strzok is not only a depature from typical Bureau practice, but also contradicts (FBI) Director (Christopher) Wray's testimony to Congress and his assurances that the FBI intended to follow its regular process in this and all personnel matters," Goelman said in his statement.
The FBI declined to comment on Goelman's assertions.
Strzok included his lawyer's statement in a post on Twitter in which the former FBI agent said he was "deeply saddened" by the FBI's decision.
"It has been an honor to serve my country and work with the fine men and women of the FBI," Strzok wrote, including a link to a GoFundMe account intended to cover his legal costs and lost income.
Trump almost immediately Tweeted to praise the decision.
I guess there's no room in the FBI for anyone who isn't a good little foot soldier of Der Fuhrer. I hope Strzok successfully sues the FBI for wrongful termination.
Edit: While I still largely trust Mueller's integrity, this decision seriously calls into question the ability of certain other parties at the FBI to credibly investigate the Trump Administration. It also means that the FBI Deputy Director is indirectly validating Trump's claims of an FBI conspiracy to favor Clinton in the 2016 election.