At a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Muriel Bowser made an announcement that the DC deputy mayor for public safety and justice has tendered his resignation after being charged with assault on October 1st.
Christopher Geldart, 53, was caught on camera grabbing the neck of Dustin Woodward, the Gold’s gym trainer in Arlington, Virginia. Geldart was charged with assault after that.
According to Arlington police, Geldart allegedly got into a fight after opening his car door and hitting Woodward’s girlfriend’s car. Geldart was put on leave following the event while an investigation was conducted.
Bowser said at a press conference on Wednesday that Geldart had tendered a letter of resignation.
“I regret to inform you that I have accepted Deputy Mayor Chris Geldart’s resignation. But I’m proud of the work we’ve done together over the last eight years, and I’m grateful to Chris for his service to the city, “Bowser stated.
“Chris has been a very capable and effective public servant, and I’ve gotten to know him in a variety of roles over the years.” “We both agree that the focus should be on the major issues that affect D.C.,” Bowser added.
Mayor Muriel Bowser response to the incident
Earlier, Bowser’s office was accused of not taking what transpired between the deputy mayor and the gym trainer seriously.
In response, her office released a statement: “We take any accusations seriously and are reviewing the matter. While it is under review, Deputy Mayor Geldart has been placed on leave. Unfortunately, it sounds like something that happens to a lot of people — a dispute over something minor — and we hope it is resolved quickly,” Bowser’s office said.
However, Geldart has tendered his resignation. Geldart previously served as the Director of the Department of Public Works and the District’s Operational Lead during the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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