Paul Abbate, who as the FBI's longtime deputy director had been expected to replace Director Christopher Wray on an acting basis, is retiring from the bureau, according to an email he sent to senior executives and obtained by The Associated Press on Monday.

Paul Abbate, the deputy director of the FBI who took over temporarily as acting director after the resignation of Christopher Wray, retired from his post on Monday, an FBI official said.

Brian Driscoll was tapped to lead the FBI pending the Senate confirmation of Kash Patel, who is President Donald Trump’s pick for director.

Paul Abbate made the unexpected announcement in an email to senior officials Monday ahead of President Trump's inauguration.

Paul Abbate, who as the FBI's longtime deputy director had been expected to replace Director Christopher Wray on an acting basis, is retiring from the bureau, according to an email he sent to senior executives and obtained by The Associated Press on Monday.

The FBI’s acting director told senior leadership he was retiring Monday, as the bureau braces for a major shakeup under the Trump administration. Paul Abbate had earlier been expected to serve in the role for a few months after Christopher Wray’s departure.