President Trump has nominated former Washington Deputy Attorney General Brian Moran to be the next U.S. Attorney for Western Washington.
Moran, who currently works in private practice at the Seattle office of the Orrick law firm, served as a top adviser to former Attorney General Rob McKenna.
"I am deeply honored, and humbled, that President Trump has nominated me to be the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington,” Moran said in a statement to KING 5. “I look forward to returning to public service and working alongside the men and women of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Department of Justice who have dedicated their professional lives to serving the citizens of Washington."
Moran spent more than 15 years at the AG’s office, serving as the chief criminal prosecutor before his promotion to chief deputy attorney general. He also previously served as a criminal prosecutor in Kitsap County.
Washington state Senator Patty Murray released the following statement on Moran’s nomination and confirmation process ahead:
"As the top federal law officer in Western Washington, it's so important that the next person who serves as U.S. Attorney is committed to keeping our communities and families safe, upholding the civil rights and liberties of all, ensuring equal treatment under the law, and protecting Washingtonians from serious and often very complex crimes. And, since the U.S. Attorney has broad authority to decide which cases to pursue, it's critical that anyone in this position possesses strong judgment and an unequivocal and unshakeable commitment to justice. I had a productive meeting with Mr. Moran, and I am looking forward to learning more about his philosophy and his record as he goes through the Senate Judiciary Committee's rigorous and robust vetting process. He has strong legal experience, and I am certainly hopeful that he will demonstrate his independence and his commitment to the principles required of this critical position."
Annette Hayes currently serves as acting U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, succeeding Jenny Durkan who left the office in 2014.
Last year, the Trump administration asked for the resignations of all Obama administration appointed U.S. Attorneys, a customary action when a new administration takes over.
