Watch CBS News

Embattled Missouri Governor Eric Greitens Resigns Amid Scandals

(CNN) -- Embattled Missouri Governor Eric Greitens announced on Tuesday he will resign over the scandals that have dominated his tenure.

Embattled Missouri Governor Resigns: Gov. Eric Greitens has been accused of sexual violence and blackmailing a woman he had an affair with. He is also facing a felony charge related to campaign finance.

Embattled Missouri Governor Resigns: Gov. Eric Greitens has been accused of sexual violence and blackmailing a woman he had an affair with. He is also facing a felony charge related to campaign finance. https://cbsloc.al/2sp0vaX

Posted by CBS Denver on Tuesday, May 29, 2018

The Republican governor has been embroiled in scandal for weeks. Last month, a Missouri state House committee released a report alleging that Greitens subjected a woman to non-consensual sexual activity and violence. Greitens described the report as "tabloid trash gossip" rooted in "lies and falsehoods."

In late April, Greitens was indicted on a felony charge of computer tampering tied to his campaign's alleged use of a charity donor list.

Greitens made the announcement that he will step down during a press conference outside his office.

The resignation will take effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, Greitens said.

"The time has come though to tend to those who have been wounded and to care for those who need us most," Greitens said. "So, for the moment, let us walk off the battlefield with our heads held high. We have a good and proud story to tell our children. Let's love them, and each other every day."

Greitens did not take questions from assembled reporters.

Earlier this month, Missouri state lawmakers announced plans to convene a special legislative session to weigh potential disciplinary actions against the governor.

(The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.