CIA Director David Petraeus Resigns Over Extramarital Affair

David Petraeus, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) abruptly resigned Friday after an FBI investigation exposed evidence that he had been involved in an extramarital affair.

One of America's most decorated four-star generals, Petraeus was a widely admired man for his roles as the top U.S. commander in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Barack Obama appointed him the head of the main U.S. spy agency in September 2011, but he now steps down after the FBI investigation found potential security breach involving Petraeus' emails.

"After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours. This afternoon, the President graciously accepted my resignation," Petraeus wrote in his resignation statement, sent to agency employees.

Petraeus was reportedly having an affair with Paula Broadwell, the co-author of his biography. The book titled "All In: The Education of General David Petraeus," was published this year. Petraeus is married to Holly Petraeus with two children. She is currently the assistant director, service member affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

"David Petraeus has provided extraordinary service to the United States for decades. By any measure, he was one of the outstanding general officers of his generation, helping our military adapt to new challenges, and leading our men and women in uniform through a remarkable period of service in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he helped our nation put those wars on a path to a responsible end. As Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, he has continued to serve with characteristic intellectual rigor, dedication, and patriotism. By any measure, through his lifetime of service David Petraeus has made our country safer and stronger," President Obama said in a statement.

Michael Morrell, the CIA's deputy director, would serve as acting director, the President said.