U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Texas Resigns Ahead of Trump Administration
Alamdar Hamdani Announces His Resignation
Lucio Vasquez / Houston Public Media
FILE: Alamdar Hamdani, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, announces the results of a 90-day partnership between Houston-area law enforcement and federal investigators. Taken on Feb. 22, 2023.
Alamdar Hamdani, a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas and the first Asian American to be presidentially appointed to the position, announced his resignation on Wednesday ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
Hamdani, who served in the position for two years, led the office in more than 10,000 criminal cases while maintaining a 95 percent conviction rate throughout his employment.
“Serving as the 24th Presidentially Appointed U.S. Attorney for this incredible district has been the honor of a lifetime,” Hamdani said in a statement Wednesday. “Over the past two year, we have made significant strides across multiple fronts, strengthening our community, upholding justice and ensuring safety for all citizens.”
His resignation will be effective midnight Jan. 19, hours before Trump will be sworn into office as the 47th President of the United States. The move is typical of other presidentially-appointed United States attorneys ahead of an administration and party change.
In the past week, U.S. Attorneys in Florida, Vermont, Massachusetts, and other states have also announced their plans to resign ahead of Inauguration Day.
Hamdani was born in England to Indian parents, and his family immigrated when he was 10-years-old. He graduated with degrees from the University of Texas and the University of Houston, according to a press release.
Hamdani, a father himself, touted running his office under the “mama rule,” citing his mother’s history as a poor migrant for his personal mantra, “treat and protect others as you would your own mama.”
His office led the prosecution of crimes involving children, human smuggling, and white collar crime, placing an emphasis on cases linked to Mexican cartels. The press release announcing Hamdani’s resignation placed another focus on a company that agreed to pay more than $160 million to resolve investigations stemming from bribery payments offered to a high-ranking official in Brazil’s state-owned oil company.
“Prosecuting and investigating this type of crime is an important role our office takes seriously in order to ensure fair and equal playing fields for U.S. companies and consumers,” Hamdani said.
Hamdani joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2014, but had been with the Department of Justice since 2008. Serving for several years as an assistant U.S. Attorney, Hamdani led the investigations and prosecutions of national security and corruption crimes.
It’s wasn’t immediately clear Thursday who would serve as acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas before Trump appoints a replacement following Hamdani’s resignation.
Conclusion
As the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Hamdani’s resignation marks the end of an era in the region’s legal landscape. His dedication to ensuring justice and safety for all citizens will be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of law enforcement professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Alamdar Hamdani resign as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas?
A: Hamdani announced his resignation ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, a typical move for presidentially-appointed United States attorneys ahead of an administration and party change.
Q: What was Hamdani’s tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas?
A: Hamdani served in the position for two years, leading the office in more than 10,000 criminal cases while maintaining a 95 percent conviction rate throughout his employment.
Q: What was Hamdani’s approach to law enforcement?
A: Hamdani touted running his office under the “mama rule,” citing his mother’s history as a poor migrant for his personal mantra, “treat and protect others as you would your own mama.” He also emphasized the importance of ensuring fair and equal playing fields for U.S. companies and consumers.
Q: What is the next step for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Texas?
A: It is unclear who will serve as acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas before Trump appoints a replacement following Hamdani’s resignation.
