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 departure 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.

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.

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