Florida state senator resigns after alcohol-infused, racially charged tirade

A Florida state senator has resigned after making alcohol-infused, racially charged comments about some of his black colleagues.

Republican Sen. Frank Artiles from Miami announced Friday he would resign from office "effectively immediately." In the announcement, Artiles also apologized for his inappropriate remarks on Monday, in which he used the "N-word" to refer to a group of black state senators. He also called Sen. Audrey Gibson, a Democrat, a "f***ing asshole,” a “b***h” and a “girl," the Miami Herald reported.

Florida State Senate President, Republican Joe Negron, took to the Senate floor Wednesday, calling Artiles' comments "appalling."

During his Monday night rant, Artiles called Negron a "p***y," the Herald reported. Artiles apologized on the Senate floor later that day.

But the Florida Democratic Party wasn't satisfied with a mere apology. The opposing party insisted that Artiles should resign. By Thursday, protesters gathered outside Artiles' office, calling for him to step down.

“What state senator or what elected official goes up there uses the 'N-word,' calls people 'b****es,' ” protester Deltravis Williams told CBS News.

Then, on Friday, Artiles caved to pressure to step down in light of his comments. He issued an apology, which read as follows:

I apologize to my family and friends and I apologize to all of my fellow Senators and lawmakers. To the people of my district and all of Miami-Dade, I am sorry I have let you down and ask for your forgiveness.

My actions and my presence in government is now a distraction to my colleagues, the legislative process, and the citizens of our great State.

I am responsible and I am accountable and effective immediately, I am resigning from the Florida State Senate.

It’s clear there are consequences to every action, and in this area, I will need time for personal reflection and growth.