Gonzales deputy resigns

last updated 8 January 2015

Washington, D.C.

Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty, the second-ranking official in the embattled Justice Department, announced his resignation this week. McNulty has been at the center of controversy since he testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in February about his role in the dismissal of nine U.S. attorneys. His testimony, which questioned his own department’s handling of the matter, angered Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, according to e-mails uncovered later. McNulty is the fourth official to resign amid the controversy. “It seems ironic that Paul McNulty, who at least tried to level with the committee, goes,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, “while Gonzales, who stonewalled the committee, is still in charge.” McNulty said he was leaving government for financial reasons, not because of the scandal.