Comey's testimony triggers LI reaction from officials, residents

<p>Former FBI Director James Comey's assertion that he was ultimately fired due to his handling of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election attracted plenty of reactions from Long Islanders glued to their televisions during his testimony. </p>

News 12 Staff

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Jun 8, 2017, 10:25 PM

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Updated 2,513 days ago

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Former FBI Director James Comey's assertion that he was ultimately fired due to his handling of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election attracted plenty of reactions from Long Islanders glued to their televisions during his testimony.

"The whole thing kind of stinks," says Doretha Hirsch, of Huntington.

Hirsch says there was a lot of substance, but still no clear evidence that President Donald Trump did anything illegal.

"He didn't have a smoking gun," she said.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH COMEY'S TESTIMONY

Comey also said that the president never asked him about how the Russians intervened in the election. Speaking to News 12 Long Island, Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City) said that was the most disturbing revelation to come out of his testimony.

"I think it's very clear that he cared about himself, and Mike Flynn. That's it. Not the country," says Rep. Rice.

Susan Rosenblatt, of Melville, says she found Comey to be credible.

"I believe him. He looks very honest and trustworthy. And I don't think Trump is very honest and trustworthy," said Rosenblatt.

Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) also weighed in on the testimony, saying Comey should have acted if he felt like President Trump was trying to interfere.

"If Director Comey felt for any moment that the president was trying obstruct or interfere with his investigation, he should have, at least, resigned on the spot, or, at least, told the president, 'this conversation is inappropriate,'" says King.

Some Long Islanders told News 12 that neither side of the political aisle should be trying to claim victory, especially as it relates to an issue of national security.