(The Center Square) – Todd Gilbert resigned Wednesday as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, just nearly two months after being sworn into the role.
The office confirmed Gilbert’s resignation took effect at 5 p.m.
“At that time, First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney,” a spokesman told The Center Square.
Gilbert, a former Republican speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, was sworn in July 15. At the time, he said he looked forward to returning to prosecution and working with state, local and federal partners to keep communities safe.
“In my heart, I have always been a prosecutor and to return to that role now is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Gilbert said in remarks released by the office.
Before his appointment, Gilbert served nearly 20 years in the House of Delegates, including as speaker from 2022 to 2024. He was also a longtime Shenandoah Valley prosecutor before entering politics, experience he pointed to when he took the oath of office last month.
The Western District covers about 60% of Virginia’s land area and serves a population of roughly 2.2 million. The office employs about 30 federal prosecutors and has handled significant cases in recent years, including corporate settlements with Purdue Pharma and McKinsey & Co.
Gilbert has not publicly explained his decision, but hours after his resignation took effect he posted a meme on social media featuring the line “Boy, that escalated quickly.”
