Damian Williams made history as the first Black U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York when he was appointed by President Biden in late 2021.

Taking office on October 10, 2021, Williams served for three years, overseeing a range of high-profile cases.

During his tenure, he secured convictions against notable figures, including Sam Bankman-Fried and Ghislaine Maxwell, and prosecuted cases involving public figures like New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Sean 'Diddy' Combs.

Williams announced his resignation effective December 13, 2024, coinciding with Donald Trump's return to the political spotlight.

In his resignation statement, Williams expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of leaving a job he loved while confident in the office's high performance.

His leadership was characterized by a commitment to integrity, independence, and high standards in prosecuting complex cases.

Williams established a Civil Rights Unit to enhance civil rights enforcement and sought oversight for Rikers Island to address systemic issues.

He notably secured the indictment of former Senator Bob Menendez for bribery, reflecting his intensified focus on public corruption.

Following his resignation, Deputy U.S. Attorney Edward Kim will step in as the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District.

Williams' resignation comes at a pivotal moment, as Trump plans to nominate former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton as his successor.

Williams' tenure has been marked by a tumultuous relationship with the Trump administration, which pressured previous U.S. Attorneys to pursue politically motivated charges.

Before leading the Southern District, Williams had a distinguished career, including serving as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens and Attorney General Merrick Garland.