Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens announces resignation
Embattled Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens announced in a press conference today that he is resigning.
Politicians and lawmakers in the state began calling for Greitens, 44, to resign last month amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Greitens said the decision to resign was a difficult one, but maintained that he's done nothing wrong. His resignation is effective June 1.
"I am not perfect, but I have not broken any laws or offense worthy of this treatment," he said.
A special investigative committee in the house has already released two ruinous reports against Greitens. The first details accusations made by a woman with whom he was having an affair. She said he threatened and mistreated her. The second report focuses on allegations that Greitens wrongfully obtained a charity donor list to fundraise for political purposes.
Greitens has admitted to having the affair with the woman, his former hairdresser, in 2015 before becoming governor, but maintains he did not commit any crimes.
On Tuesday, Greitens made no mention of the investigation but said the past few months have been difficult for him and his family and that he is facing millions of dollars in mounting legal bills.
"It's clear for the forces that oppose us, there's no end in sight," he said. "I cannot allow those forces to continue to cause pain and difficulty to the people that I love."
The former Navy SEAL then said, "The time has come to tend to those who have been wounded," adding, "Let’s walk off the battlefield with our head held high."
Greitens ended the news conference saying he will "always be a fighter for the people of Missouri.
"May God continue to bless you and to bless the great state of Missouri," he said.
Lt. Gov. Mike Parson, who will take over for Greitens, said he learned of the resignation Tuesday afternoon while working on his farm.
"With Governor Greitens’ decision to resign from office, he has put the best interests of our state and all Missourians at the forefront where they belong," Parson said in a statement. "This is a decision that will allow our state to heal and move forward from what has been a difficult time."
