Acting secretary of homeland security Chad Wolf is stepping down as security forces in the United States brace for the possibility of armed protests across the country around President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

Iran PressAmerica: He is the latest Cabinet official to leave the outgoing US President Donald Trump administration following deadly riots at the US Capitol last week. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos both announced plans to step down last week. 

Wolf’s exit comes amid growing concerns -just nine days before Trump leaves office- about potential security threats surrounding President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Wolf’s resignation will be effective at the end of the day on Monday, a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official confirmed to The Hill. Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Pete Gaynor will step in as acting DHS secretary for the remainder of Trump's presidency, the official said. 

Wolf has been serving in the position in an acting capacity for more than a year.

Trump nominated him officially for DHS secretary last August, but he was never confirmed by the Senate.

Wolf had earlier indicated he planned to remain in the job. Last week, Wolf asked Trump and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place at the Capitol. Five people died, including a police officer.

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