Online Brief: Missouri Gov. Greitens to resign; Lt. Gov. Parson en route to state capital

Just minutes ago, embattled Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens announced that he would be resigning from office, effective Friday. Lt. Gov. Mike Parson is now en route to Jefferson City. The lieutenant governor's office didn't have any knowledge of the Greitens's announcement, said Kelli Jones, Parson's communications coordinator. Jones said that Parson will likely be making a written statement later this evening.

The following is a statement released by Lt. Gov. Mike Parson's office:

Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson states, “With Governor Greitens’ decision to resign from office, he has put the best interests of our state and all Missourians at the forefront where they belong. This is a decision that will allow our state to heal and move forward from what has been a difficult time. This is an enormous responsibility serving as our state’s next governor, and I am ready to fulfill the duties of the office with honor and integrity, and with a steadfast commitment to making our great state even greater for the people we are entrusted to serve.”

Parson's office released this statement Thursday morning regarding his progress on transitioning to the governorship:

Lt. Gov. Mike Parson spent today preparing for Friday’s transition with a non-stop series of meetings and phone calls. Parson will become Missouri’s next governor on Friday, June 1 at 5 pm.

“We are taking every step and working around the clock to ensure Missouri state government does not miss a beat throughout this transition. My commitment to all Missourians is to listen to them and work together to advance the interests of our great state,” Lt. Gov. Parson said.

Earlier today, Lt. Gov. Parson met with House Speaker Todd Richardson, Senate President Pro Tem Sen. Ron Richard, and legislators from both parties.

In addition to meeting with these leaders, Parson reached out to all cabinet members. Parson is planning to hold a meeting with the cabinet early next week.

On Thursday, Parson will receive a briefing from the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s State Emergency Management Agency and finalize the details of the swearing-in ceremony.

[This breaking news story will be updated.]