U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after President Trump fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates Monday night.

“When President Trump issued his callous, ill-conceived and un-American ban on Muslim refugees, people across the country stood up to make their voices heard and make it clear that they are ready to fight back.

“But instead of listening to people across the country and doing the right thing, President Trump lashed out by firing Sally Yates, the acting Attorney General who stood up to do her job and defend the Constitution and our American values. I thank her for showing the independence we need at our Department of Justice.

“With someone like President Trump in charge of this administration, it is more important than ever that the Department of Justice remain free of politics and that those who work there remain free from the fear of retaliation. I urge President Trump to halt all retaliatory firings, and in this difficult and chaotic time, this unfortunate action is one more good reason to slow down and carefully scrutinize the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general given the questions that should be asked regarding whether he is truly ready to stand up to President Trump and defend our laws, our values, and our Constitution.”