US Senator Menendez defiantly rejects calls to step down

NEW JERSEY, US - SEP. 25, 2023: US Sen. Bob Menendez steadfastly rejected accusations of corruption Monday, rejecting calls from fellow Democrats to step down from Congress after he was indicted for a second time last week. Addressing reporters in his native New Jersey, Menendez maintained his innocence, saying "prosecutors get it wrong some times," and stressed that "the court of public opinion is no substitute for our revered justice system." "I firmly believe that with all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be the New Jersey's senior senator," he said. "We cannot set aside the presumption of innocence for political expediency when the harm is irrevocable. For those who have rushed to judgment you have done so based on a limited set of facts framed by the prosecution to be as salacious as possible," added Menendez. Menendez has faced a growing litany of calls for his resignation from the federal legislature, including from his fellow Democrats. He temporarily stepped aside from his chairmanship of the powerful Foreign Relations Committee after charges were announced last week. Menendez and his wife were indicted Friday on bribery charges following a federal investigation into their relationships with a trio of New Jersey businessmen. (Footage by Lokman Vural Elibol /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)