Miami Senator Resigns Over Racial Slur

(Updated 12:30 p.m. Friday) TALLAHASSEE, FL — Miami state Sen. Frank Artiles resigned his elected post on Friday over his use of a racially charged slur in private conversations with two members, according to the office of Senate President Joe Negron. Artiles resigned in a letter to Negron.

"It is clear to me my recent actions and words that I spoke fell far short of what I expect for myself, and for this I am very sorry. I apologize to my family and friends and I apologize to all of my fellow senators and lawmakers," Artiles said in the letter. "To the people of my district and all of Miami-Dade, I am sorry I have let you down and ask for your forgiveness."

Artiles apologized for more than three minutes on the floor of the Florida Senate on Wednesday, saying his "harsh words have adversely reflected more on me than they could ever have on anyone else." (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Pinecrest Patch.)

“Senator Artiles made the right decision. As Senator Artiles has noted, he holds himself responsible and accountable for his actions and comments," Negron said in a statement. "My Senate colleagues and I wish Senator Artiles and his family well.”

Artiles first apologized to state Sen. Audrey Gibson of Jacksonville on Wednesday "for the words and tone I used with you Monday night." He then turned to Sen. Perry Thurston of Fort Lauderdale, whom he referred to as "my friend and colleague and a person who put his arm around me and tried to guide me in the right direction."

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Both lawmakers are African-American Democrats, while Artiles is a Republican. Artiles said he did not direct the racial slur toward anyone in particular but "that is rightfully the most inflammatory."

"My actions and my presence in government is now a distraction to my colleagues, the legislative process, and the citizens of our great state," the resignation letter stated.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott called the racial slur "disgusting" on Thursday while a number of protesters chanted and taped placards outside Artiles' Miami area office calling for his resignation. The senator, a former Marine, had said that he had no plans to do so.

"I am responsible and I am accountable and effective immediately, I am resigning from the Florida State Senate," Artiles said in his letter. "It's clear there are consequences to every action, and in this I will need time for personal reflection and growth."

WATCH NOW: Sen. Artiles Apologizes to Florida Senate:

Image courtesy of Gov. Rick Scott