WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the New York Times reported that recently fired FBI Director James Comey wrote and shared a memo detailing that President Donald Trump asked him to shut down an investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), issued the following statement:

“This is alarming.  We need all the facts and evidence to be brought to light. 

“If President Trump tried to pressure the FBI Director to drop an investigation into a compromised National Security Adviser then that is a serious violation.  

“The allegations in this memo depict a President who doesn’t seem to fully grasp the responsibilities of his office, lacks integrity, and thinks he is above the law. 

“Since taking office, President Trump has undermined his own credibility.  He owes the American people an honest explanation.  And Mr. Comey should publicly explain why he didn’t report these allegations sooner.

“Democrats have consistently called for an independent, impartial investigation into the Trump campaign’s Russian connections.

“But in order to affect real change and get the American people the truth, Republicans must join our efforts and support a special prosecutor. 

“Under the leadership of Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell, Congress has not fulfilled its Constitutional obligation to serve as an independent check on this President. 

“We need a special prosecutor to unwind the web of allegations, provide the American people with clear, fact-based accounting, and impartially serve justice.”