In a stunning turn of events, President Donald J. Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, coming on the day after the testimony of former acting Attorney General Sally Yates. United States Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, called the firing "Nixonian," a reference to the "Saturday Night Massacre" that occurred on Oct. 20, 1973, when disgraced former President Richard Nixon fired Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox. As a direct result of the anger following that firing, Nixon resigned the presidency on August 8, 1974.

Democrats are demanding a special prosecutor to continue the investigation into the Trump campaign's collusion with the Russians.

It wasn't just the Democrats speaking out on the firing, as some Republicans said they were "troubled" by the timing of Comey's sudden ouster. Oregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley said if it wasn't clear prior to the firing a special prosecutor was needed, it sure is now. Senator Merkley added that without a special prosecutor the American people will wonder if the firing was a "cover-up."

Democrats critical and suspicious about the firing of Comey

Many Congressional Democrats weighed in on the "Tuesday surprise" including New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich, Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The reasons that were given for the firing of Comey was justified by Trump's contention that Comey mishandled and bungled the investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server. Many scoffed at this notion since at time Trump was praised and criticized the investigation, depending on the day.

In the end, said Trump in his dismissal letter, he stated that Comey was no longer able to "effectively lead the bureau."

Instant comparisons to Nixon and Watergate

The firing drew instant comparisons to Nixon and the Watergate episode that drove him out of office in the summer of 1974.

Noted Harvard University Law Professor Laurence Tribe tweeted almost immediately after the news broke about the Comey firing.

He labeled it the "Tuesday Night Massacre" in reference to the Watergate scandal events. Professor Tribe added that United States Attorney Jeff Sessions role in the firing "adds to the bad odor."

The firing leads to speculation as to whether the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) can function independently of the White House.

Nixon's Watergate problem also involved the manipulation of the FBI by Nixon. On CNN, Jeffrey Toobin called the firing of FBI Director James Comey a "grotesque abuse of power"
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