OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, United States Attorney Timothy J. Downing announced that he has submitted his resignation to the President, to be effective at 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2021. He will announce at a later time his future plans.
United States Attorney Downing was sworn into office on June 5, 2019, after being appointed by President Trump and confirmed by the United States Senate. As the United States Attorney, Mr. Downing served as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Oklahoma. In this capacity, he has been responsible for all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the district. The Western District of Oklahoma is the largest of three judicial districts in Oklahoma and includes 40 of the 77 counties.
During his tenure as United States Attorney, Downing served on multiple Attorney General’s Advisory Committee Subcommittees and Working Groups, including those related to Terrorism and National Security, Border Protection and Immigration, Domestic Violence, and Native American Issues.
As United States Attorney, Downing focused on building strong partnerships with state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement. “I wish everyone had an opportunity to witness as I did their fellow heroic Oklahomans who serve in law enforcement and protect our families and neighborhoods every single day,” said Downing. “Law enforcement partnerships are stronger today than ever before, and we have seen the positive impact it has had on public safety in our communities and district.”
During Downing’s tenure, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District prosecuted the most defendants in the history of the office, including the most defendants charged with violent crimes. “The men and women who serve in this office are incredible public servants who support our law enforcement, fight for victims, protect public safety, and secure the rule of law that is necessary to freedom and liberty for all,” said Downing. “I will always cherish this time of service as United States Attorney, and I take joy to know the Western District continues in great hands with the amazing attorneys and support staff here.”
Downing was the 25th presidentially appointed United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma since statehood. “I am thankful to President Trump, Senator James Inhofe, Senator James Lankford, and other members of the United States Senate for the opportunity to serve the people of Oklahoma as United States Attorney,” said Downing.
Prior to his appointment as United States Attorney in 2019, Downing served as Counselor to the Oklahoma Secretary of State. From 2016 to 2018, he served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he was an Assistant Majority Floor Leader, an Assistant Majority Whip, and Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Committee. From 2011 to 2016, Downing was an Assistant Attorney General for the State Oklahoma, where he represented the State in criminal appeals, was a member of the Opinion Conference, and was Director of Legislative Affairs.
Since 2011, Downing has served as a Judge Advocate in the United States Army Reserve. In this capacity from 2013 to 2014, he served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney at Fort Hood, Texas, working with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. From 2009 to 2011, he was a Senior Law Clerk for Jay Sekulow at the American Center for Law and Justice, and in 2009 he served as a Legal Fellow for United States Senator James Inhofe. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University, and Regent University School of Law. He and his wife Lan have been married for nineteen years and have four children.
After Downing’s resignation on February 28, 2021, First Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Troester will become the Acting United States Attorney by operation of law under the Vacancies Reform Act. “Bob has led this office during three prior interim periods, he did an incredible job as my First Assistant, and there is no one better for this transition,” said Downing. “I will continue to give my best to this office until the last second on the job, and I commit to praying for and have every confidence in the future success of this office under the leadership of those who follow me.”
To download a photo of United States Attorney Downing, click here.