David Petraeus Resigns from CIA, General Admits to Extramarital Affair, Resignation Letter to Public, President Obama

CIA Director General David Petraeus has officially resigned from his post after admitting to an extramarital affair. Petraeus, a very well-respected member in the military and intelligence establishment, asked President Obama to grant his resignation on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 8), citing 'personal and professional issues' surrounding a relationship with a woman who is not his wife of over 37 years, Holly Petraeus. Reports confirm that Mike Morrell, the deputy CIA director and a longtime CIA officer, may temporarily take over Petraeus' duties. On Friday, Petraeus issued a resignation letter to the public and CIA work force.

Petraeus was sworn in as head of the CIA in September 2011. NBC News reports that Morrell may permanently be named CIA Director at some point in the future.

After his resignation on Thursday, Petraeus issued this public resignation letter on Friday aimed towards his CIA co-workers, after President Obama officially accepted his acquiescence :

HEADQUARTERS Central Intelligence Agency

9 November 2012

Yesterday afternoon, I went to the White House and asked the President to be allowed, for personal reasons, to resign from my position as D/CIA. After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours. This afternoon, the President graciously accepted my resignation.

As I depart Langley, I want you to know that it has been the greatest of privileges to have served with you, the officers of our Nation's Silent Service, a work force that is truly exceptional in every regard. Indeed, you did extraordinary work on a host of critical missions during my time as director, and I am deeply grateful to you for that.

Teddy Roosevelt once observed that life's greatest gift is the opportunity to work hard at work worth doing. I will always treasure my opportunity to have done that with you and I will always regret the circumstances that brought that work with you to an end.

Thank you for your extraordinary service to our country, and best wishes for continued success in the important endeavors that lie ahead for our country and our Agency.

With admiration and appreciation,

David H. Petraeus