Governor Eric Greitens announces resignation effective Friday
JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Eric Greitens announced Tuesday afternoon he is stepping down from his position as Missouri’s governor.
Greitens delivered his statement in the Governor’s Office, saying his resignation is effective Friday at 5 p.m.
"This is not the end of our fight," Greitens said. "I will always be a fighter for the people of Missouri. The time has come thought to tend to those who have been wounded."
The governor has been accused of using his charity for his political gain, being charged with felony computer tampering. Greitens had been accused of invading the privacy of a woman with whom he had an affair, but the charge was dropped.
The announcement came hours after Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled that a secret group supporting Greitens, A New Missouri, has to turn over correspondence and documents showing potential coordination between the governor, his campaign committee and A New Missouri.
A Missouri House investigative committee was formed to review allegations against the governor. The committee released two reports, one into criminal allegations of Greitens' affair and another on the governor's use of his charity, The Mission Continues.
Greitens did not answer any questions following his statement.
The governor's announcement was met with several approval statements from lawmakers across the state, and even in the District of Columbia. Some lawmakers though said they were already receving complaints from their constituents about Greitens' decision to resign.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, who prosecuted Greitens in his invasion of privacy case, said her office reached a "fair and just resolution" on criminal charges against Missouri's governor.
Lt. Gov. Mike Parson said moments after the announcement he was "ready to fulfill duties of the office" and resume the role following Greitens' leave.
