Comey firing upends FBI; new director and new direction unclear

The FBI is in turmoil after the wholly unexpected firing of Director James Comey on May 9.

Remaining staff called a high-level meeting soon after the announcement to try to reorganize.

Deputy Director Andrew McCabe has stepped up to run the bureau temporarily, but no one thinks he will be allowed to stay.

Several names have been mentioned as a possible replacement. Most have strong political ties to President Trump.

Director Comey was fired, supposedly, for getting involved in politics.

Assistant Director Paul Abbate, and former Republican House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers seem fairly neutral.

Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy led a congressional inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s role in the 2012 attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s name has been mentioned, as has that of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Sheriff David Clarke.

Trump will nominate his choice for the next director. That nominee must be confirmed by the Senate.