Dem. Senator Al Franken Resigns Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
By: Kayla Pasacreta
Democratic Senator Al Franken of Minnesota announced his resignation today, after over 35 senators called on him to step down. The resignation comes after accusations from 8 women that Franken exhibited inappropriate, unsolicited sexual behavior towards them. Franken announced his decision on the Senate floor while standing by his innocence, "I know in my heart, nothing that I have done as a senator, nothing, has brought dishonor on this institution, and I am confident that the Ethics Committee would agree,” He continued to say he made his decision for the people of Minnesota.
Al Franken, photo via Getty Images
Franken also took a swipe at President Donald Trump, who has a total of 16 sexual assault allegations against him, "I of all people am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office, and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate with full support of his party."
Franken's resignation comes just two days after Rep. John Conyers' resignation announcement.