Embattled Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossell Resigns Amid Public Outcry

(NBC News) Nicole Acevedo Alex Johnson and Gabe Gutierrez July 24 2019 9:13 PM SAN JUAN Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossell announced his resignation Wednesday days after demonstrators at the islands largest protest in recent history called for his ouster over a scandal involving leaked private chats as well as corruption investigations and arrests. His resignation effective Aug. 2 came late Wednesday night on a recorded video published on Facebook. In the message he touted what he considered accomplishments of his tenure saying he fought corruption and made strides for different communities. My only North Star has been the well-being of my island he said. Crowds in the streets which for nearly two weeks had been calling for the governor to step down immediately erupted in joyous chants cheering Puerto Rico! Puerto Rico! Ricky te botamos! (Ricky we threw you out!) the jubilant crowd exclaimed after the governors announcement. After the birth of my son this is the happiest day of my life said Ren Prez Joglar also known as Residente. The acclaimed Puerto Rican reggaeton star was among the artists who had galvanized the island in rallies that were unprecedented in their scope. Rossell is the U.S. commonwealths first governor to resign.