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Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello resigns after a week of protests

Posted at 11:21 PM, Jul 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-25 00:07:02-04

Embattled Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello has resigned in a statement to the island.

His announcement comes after nearly two weeks of massive protests and calls for his resignation.

Gov. Rossello made the announcement in a video message.

Secretary of Justice Wanda Vazquez would be elevated to governor as Rossello leaves office.

Rossello has been governor since January 2017 as the country has dealt with a debt crisis, a slow comeback from Hurricane Maria and massive population loss. Then came leaks of group chats Rossello participated in.

The leaks, which went public on July 8, contained vulgar, sexist and homophobic comments. He also joked about shooting outspoken San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz.