Noem reacts to removal of Attorney General from office

(Pierre, SD) -- Governor Kristi Noem is reacting to the removal of Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg from office.

Noem says a "dark cloud" had been lifted from the Attorney General's office.The South Dakota Senate convicted Ravnsborg Tuesday on two Articles of Impeachment, just hours into what was scheduled to be a two-day trial.

Senators voted 24-9 to convict on the first count that he committed criminal actions that led to the death of a pedestrian in a 2020 crash where he was the driver. The vote was 31-2 that the Republican had abused his office in connection with the crash and the following investigation. He has also been permanently banned from "holding any office of trust or profit."

Governor Noem is entitled to appoint an interim replacement for Ravnsborg until the general election in November determines a winner.