Controversial Milwaukee sheriff David Clarke resigns

Former Sheriff David Clarke, Jr., of Milwaukee.

(Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

published 31 August 2017

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke submitted his letter of resignation Thursday. Clarke, who attracted the national spotlight for his ardent support of President Trump and his controversial comments, did not provide a reason for his resignation. Clarke's spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Just months ago, Clarke claimed he was going to be an assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, only for DHS to clarify that no official appointment had been made. Clarke later withdrew his name from consideration.

Clarke was in his fourth term as sheriff, with more than a year left to serve. During his tenure, he was slapped with a lawsuit after an inmate in his jail, whose pleas for water had reportedly been ignored for days, died from "profound dehydration." Clarke also made headlines for suggesting that Black Lives Matter should be labeled as a "hate group," and for refusing to disclose the details of a 2015 trip to Moscow on behalf of the National Rifle Association.