PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today released the following joint statement regarding the Justice Department’s request for the resignation of all remaining Obama-era U.S. Attorneys, including Rhode Island’s U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha:

“U.S. Attorney Neronha this afternoon informed us that he will comply with the directive issued by the Trump administration to all remaining Obama-era U.S. Attorneys, and he will step down from his post this evening.  It was our honor to nominate Peter to serve as Rhode Island’s U.S. Attorney, and he has served the people of Rhode Island with great distinction.  He is a talented prosecutor who has worked tirelessly to root out public corruption and violent crime, and to build stronger relationships between members of law enforcement and the communities they serve.

“After nearly eight years of dedicated service to the citizens of Rhode Island, we are dismayed to hear of the abrupt manner in which Peter and U.S. Attorneys across the country were asked to leave their posts.  The Trump administration’s decision does not serve the public interest and could needlessly hinder ongoing investigations.  We understand this request comes just days after communications between these U.S. Attorneys and Attorney General Sessions in which the Attorney General relayed long-term plans for the Justice Department.

“We look forward to following the same process we have used to make nominations in the past to recommend a replacement to the Trump administration.”