“Prominent U.S. attorney unexpectedly relieved of duty”
The Biden administration ousted U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino this week. As a presidential appointee in Arizona, Restiano was subject to dismissal by the current President. Reflecting on his tenure leading the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Restiano expressed appreciation for President Biden’s appointment, Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema for their nomination support, and Attorney General Garland for his guidance of the Department of Justice. Merrick Garland served as the U.S. Attorney General during the Biden administration.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I am thankful for President Biden’s appointment, the support of Senators Kelly and Sinema, and the stewardship of the Department of Justice under Attorney General Garland,” Restiano remarked in a statement. He added, “Most importantly, I am appreciative of our team here in Arizona – the dedicated prosecutors, victim advocates, and administrative professionals at the United States Attorney’s Office.”
Transitioning into this role after a 20-year career as a federal employee, including 18 years as an assistant U.S. attorney, Restiano served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, offering counsel to Garland on matters such as policy, procedure, and management. Additionally, in 2022, Restiano spent nearly 90 days as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
His achievements included combating transnational criminal organizations, disrupting firearms trafficking, and prosecuting human smugglers. With the position now vacant, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Hernandez will assume the role of acting attorney. Hernandez, who has served as an assistant U.S. Attorney since 2000, will oversee more than 300 employees at the office, according to the Department of Justice.
