Controversial Milwaukee sheriff David Clarke resigns
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
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.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) will be responsible for finding a replacement to serve the remainder of Clarke's term.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com