NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday nominated Damian Williams to serve as US attorney for Manhattan.
If confirmed, Williams would become the first black man to lead the powerful Southern District of New York, where he has worked as a prosecutor since 2012.
Williams has worked as a law clerk for Justice John Paul Stevens on the United States Supreme Court from 2008 to 2009. He also served under Judge Merrick B. Garland on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, from 2007 to 2008.
Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had recommended Williams for the position back in March, describing the prosecutor as having “a strong commitment to equal justice and civil rights.”
“Damian Williams has tremendous legal acumen, is deeply experienced in the Southern District, has tried significant cases and has a strong commitment to equal justice and civil rights under the law,” Schumer said at the time. “He is ready to take the helm to steer the Southern District forward into a bright future.”
Williams was among eight US Attorney nominees Biden announced Tuesday. All are subject to approval by the US Senate.
“These individuals were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials in this field, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice,” the White House said in a statement.