WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today issued the following statement after news that U.S. Attorney General William Barr had resigned.

“At every turn over the last two years, Attorney General William Barr has been more than willing to do President Trump’s bidding. Until now.

“AG Barr’s resignation tonight should be viewed as a five-alarm fire. It is a warning that the president’s actions will only get worse and more dangerous.

“Republicans, Democrats, and Independents across the country must take a stand in defense of our democracy. Beyond elected officials, we need those who have served under this president and resigned, along with those who have served in our military and swore an oath to our Constitution and the leaders of the private sector, to come together and speak out against this conduct.

“The American people need a united front of leaders in this moment, and they need these leaders to speak clearly and speak out against this president. I am calling on individuals like Generals Mattis, Kelly, and McMaster, Rex Tillerson, Kirstjen Nielsen, Mark Esper and others to join with business executives, with past presidents, and oppose Donald Trump’s lawless conduct. And I urge elected Republicans everywhere—at the local, state, and federal level: find the courage to do what is right, and join this united front, as Representative Paul Mitchell did earlier today.

“Now is the time to tell President Trump, in no uncertain terms, that he must immediately cease and desist from his undemocratic and dangerous conduct.”