NEW: Statement from Michael Atkinson, Intel Community IG who Pres Trump fired after he told Congress about whistleblower Ukraine complaint.

Atkinson says he was "legally obligated to ensure that whistleblowers had an effective and authorized means to disclose urgent matters."

Atkinson says he is "disappointed and saddened" to be removed from his role as Intel Community IG. He says, "I have never been a political or partisan person...I have spent my entire 17-year career as a public servant acting without regard to partisan favor or political fear."

Atkinson also says: "It is important to remember, as others have said, that the need for secrecy in the U.S. Intelligence Community is not a grant of power, but a grant of trust. Our government benefits when individuals are encouraged to report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse."