Puerto Rico governor says he will resign amid intense political pressure, sweeping protests

In this July 16, 2019 file photo, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello, accompanied by his chief of staff Ricardo Llerandi, right, attends a press conference in La Fortaleza's Tea Room, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Llerandi announced his resignation Tuesday, July 23, 2019, saying; "The last few days have been extremely difficult for everyone," At this historic crossroads, I need to put my family above everything." Pictured left is Erik Rolon, undersecretary of the interior.

The governor of Puerto Rico announced late Wednesday that he will resign effective Aug. 2, amid intense pressure from inside and outside his government, after a series of leaked chat messages denigrating his opponents and Hurricane Maria victims triggered outrage from frustrated citizens who had taken to the streets for 13 consecutive days of protests. 

Ricardo Rosselló had defied calls for his resignation as the island descended into upheaval. He lost support from nearly everyone in his ruling statehood party, and more than a dozen members of his administration had stepped down in recent days, including his chief of staff on Tuesday.