Amid the turmoil of the firing of James Comey as director of the FBI is the speculation as to what this means about the ongoing investigation into Russia’s involvement with the 2016 presidential election.

It appears, however, that the investigation goes on, as a grand jury had issues subpoenas hours prior to Comey’s firing.

CNN exclusive: Grand jury subpoenas issued in FBI's Russia investigation https://t.co/rvWMKRp1SF

— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) May 10, 2017

Federal prosecutors have issued grand jury subpoenas to associates of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn seeking business records, as part of the ongoing probe of Russian meddling in last year’s election, according to people familiar with the matter. CNN learned of the subpoenas hours before President Donald Trump fired FBI director James Comey.

The subpoenas represent the first sign of a significant escalation of activity in the FBI’s broader investigation begun last July into possible ties between Trump campaign associates and Russia.

Flynn’s people aren’t talking about the subpoenas right now, but this, coupled with the Sally Yates testimony yesterday indicates that there were some serious issues with Flynn.

Of course, the information coming out of the White House indicates that Comey’s firing was for an unrelated issue – check out my colleague streiff’s post on the details here – and it is not really clear when or if these timelines converge. It is very hard, however, to imagine that Trump would so brazenly fire Comey over the subpoenas considering that in his letter to Comey states Comey told him three times he wasn’t under investigation.

That will not stop the Democrats, mind you, who have already decided that this is the Very Worst Thing In The World Part 934.