Statement on the Indictment and Resignation of I. Lewis Libby

The grand jury investigating the leak of a CIA agent's identity today issued indictments for I. Lewis Libby, chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, on charges of obstruction of justice, perjury and making false statements.  Mr. Libby immediately resigned his position.  These are serious criminal charges, the prosecution of which must occur in an open, accountable, and timely manner. 

I firmly believe that all public servants, including and especially a senior White House official such as Mr. Libby, have an enhanced responsibility to abide by the laws of our nation and to adhere to the highest ethical standards. 

Mr. Libby's decision to resign was the right thing to do.  While Mr. Libby is constitutionally guaranteed a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, the seriousness of the charges filed against him appropriately demanded that he resign his position.  We are living in a time of somewhat unprecedented challenges and the White House needs to maintain its focus on the critical issues facing our great nation and its citizens.