City leaders and government officials reacts to US Attorney Rachael Rollins’ resignation

At the State House, an hour after two scathing federal reports on US Attorney Rachael Rollins were released, Governor Maura Healey was carrying out her regular duties, but had little say about the findings in the bombshell reports.

“I have to take a look, I haven’t seen the report or what’s come out yet,” Governor Healey said.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, also said she had not yet read the report, but says the suddenness of Rollin’s departure was surprising.

“I’ve known her to be a strong leader in our city, on many, many issues. And this has been quite a surprise,” said Mayor Wu.

US Attorney Rachael Rollins is the state’s top federal prosecutor and is prohibited by federal law from engaging in political activity.

The findings identify specific cases where Rollins violated federal laws, among them, involving herself in the Suffolk County DA’s race in which she backed City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo over Kevin Hayden, who ultimately won the race.

“I find this all incredibly sad. Rachel is someone who was a friend of mine prior to being in elective office. Someone I’ve gone to t seek counsel,” said Arroyo.

Boston attorney and former federal prosecutor Brad Bailey served in the US Attorney’s office thirty years ago and he tells Boston 25 that during that period the Boston US Attorney’s office was very strict about even the appearance of impartiality.

“The US Attorneys’ office is really supposed to itself to the highest standard of impartiality, having blind justice and not letting politics come into any of this,” Bailey said.

Bailey believes these federal reports and Rollins’ resignation, may not be the end of it.

“This type of thing can really taint an entire office and whether or not it’s going to open up cans of worms with other investigations, that’s yet to come. It could,” added Bailey.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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