Sen. John McCain said Tuesday he is “disappointed” with President Trump's decision to fire FBI Directory James Comey, adding that the firing reinforces his calls for a special congressional panel to investigate Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election.

“While the President has the legal authority to remove the Director of the FBI, I am disappointed in the President's decision to remove James Comey from office,” McCain said in a statement.

The Arizona Republican said the firing is all the more reason to form a special congressional committee on the Russia probe that will independently investigate the matter.

“I have long called for a special congressional committee to investigate Russia's interference in the 2016 election. The president's decision to remove the FBI Director only confirms the need and the urgency of such a committee,” he said.

McCain praised Comey as "man of honor and integrity" who "has led the FBI well in extraordinary circumstances."