SEATTLE (AP) – Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announced his resignation Tuesday after a fifth man – one of his cousins – came forward and accused him of sexual abuse decades ago.
Murray, who had already announced that he would not seek a second term even as he denied the claims, said he would step down effective 5 p.m. Wednesday
The Democrat said in a statement had “become clear to me that in light of the latest news reports it is best for the city if I step aside.”
Murray made the announcement after the Seattle Times reported on the allegations by the mayor’s first cousin once removed, Joseph Dyer.
“To the people of this special city and to my dedicated staff, I am sorry for this painful situation,” Murray said.