Chris Geldart, DC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, resigned from his post in the wake of reports that he faces assault charges following a quarrel in a gym parking lot.
The announcement came from DC Mayor Muriel Bowser at a press conference on Wednesday.
“I’m saddened to say that I have accepted the resignation of Deputy Mayor Geldart,” the mayor said, adding that she was proud of the work that they have done together for the last eight years.
“I am immensely grateful to Chris for his service to the city,” Bowser continued, describing Geldart as “a very capable and effective public servant.”
Bowser did not comment on as to whether she requested Geldart’s resignation.
The deputy mayor was caught on camera while having an altercation with a man in the parking lot of a Virginia gym on October 1, which became physical with Geldart allegedly reaching for the man’s throat.
Geldart was placed on administrative leave after video footage showing the incident started widely circulating online. He was reportedly charged with assault and battery in connection with the confrontation.
Geldart had been serving as deputy mayor since January 2021. Prior to that, he led the DC Department of Public Works and DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA).