The embattled Missouri governor is under investigation for possible sexual misconduct and misusing campaign funds.
Embattled Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens said Tuesday he will resign amid efforts to impeach him over an extramarital affair and allegations he misused a private charity donor list for political gain.
Greitens, 44, said his resignation will be effective Friday at 5 p.m.
"The last few months have been incredibly difficult for me, for my family, for my team, for my friends and for many, many people," he said in a brief statement. He did not take questions from journalists.
The ex-Navy SEAL took office 17 months ago on a pledge to get rid of "corrupt career politicians."
A St. Louis grand jury had indicted Greitens in February, accusing him of invading the privacy of his former hairdresser, with whom he had an extramarital affair, by taking a photo of her without permission.
The charge was dismissed during jury selection, but a special prosecutor was considering whether to refile the felony count.
He was charged in April for allegedly using the donor list for a charity he founded to solicit money for his 2016 gubernatorial campaign. Less than two weeks ago, the legislature began meeting in special sessions to consider impeachment proceedings against him.
The woman he had an affair with has told a state house committee that Greitens had restrained, slapped, shoved and threatened her during a series of sexual encounters she said left her crying and afraid.
The governor denied all allegations against him, saying he was the victim of a "political witch hunt." He acknowledges having an affair while married, but said he had not violated any laws.
