Update, September 5:
According to New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush, David Clarke is joining a pro-Trump PAC. Thrush shared the information on Twitter Tuesday.
Sheriff Clarke, shut out by Kelly, going to Trump PAC, via sources.
— Glenn Thrush (@GlennThrush) September 5, 2017
Update, September 1:
Clarke made his resignation "Twitter official" Friday morning, saying: "After nearly 40 years serving my community I'm retiring."
After nearly 40 years serving my community I'm retiring. What a ride! I will announce my future plans next week after the Labor Day holiday. pic.twitter.com/pYbv7txCEZ
— David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) September 1, 2017
Original Story, August 31:
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke submitted his letter of resignation Thursday.
According to a press release from Milwaukee County Clerk George L. Christenson, the letter stated:
“Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §17.01, this communication is submitted at the notice of my resignation as Sheriff of Milwaukee County commencing August 31, 2017, at 11:59 p.m.” Per Chapter 17.01 (5) of the Wisconsin State Statute, resignation of the Sheriff is made “to the county clerk, who shall immediately transmit notice thereof to the governor.”
BREAKING: Sheriff David Clarke's resignation letter. Effective today. pic.twitter.com/PmzPPt9YbF
— Kent Wainscott (@Kentwainscott) August 31, 2017
In a statement, Clarke said that he will announce what's next for him in the near future:
“After almost forty years serving the great people of Milwaukee County, I have chosen to retire to pursue other opportunities. I will have news about my next steps in the very near future.”
Clarke was first appointed Milwaukee County Sheriff back in 2002 and was later elected to the office. Upon his resignation, the sheriff was serving his fourth term.
While Clarke ran as a Democrat, over the the years he become best known for being a darling of conservative media. In recent years, he issued a public service announcement urging people to arm themselves, saying that they can't rely on police to arrive in time.
And in a podcast, Clarke, who is African-American, said that black people sell drugs and are involved in criminal activity because they are "uneducated, lazy and morally bankrupt."
More recently, Clarke had come under fire after a number of inmate deaths at the Milwaukee County Jail.
Earlier this year, the sheriff was considered for a position within the Trump administration.
Clarke's resignation will take effect Thursday at 11:59 p.m.
Governor Walker is now tasked with appointing someone to serve out the rest of the sheriff's term. He was up for reelection in 2018.
