U.S. Attorney Billy Williams addresses the media regarding cyber and disinformation threats to the security of Oregon’s electoral process during a press conference at the Oregon Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 4. (Sam Stites/Oregon Capitol Bureau)
The chief federal law enforcement official for Oregon is stepping down.
U.S. Attorney Billy Williams announced on Friday that he would resign from his position Feb. 28, ending his 20-year career with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Williams was nominated to the post in 2017 by former President Donald Trump. Earlier this week, the Biden administration asked most U.S. attorneys appointed by the Trump administration to resign.
During his time in the position, Williams oversaw the prosecution of the occupiers of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in 2016. More recently, he was involved in the federal response to riots in Portland and preparing for possible unrest surrounding the 2020 election.
Biden has yet to nominate a successor. In the meantime, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney.
-Jake Thomas
