President Obama has tapped Brooklyn federal prosecutor Loretta Lynch to replace Eric Holder as attorney general. Obama formally unveiled Lynch’s nomination at the White House on Saturday.

President Obama: “It’s pretty hard to be more qualified for this job than Loretta. Throughout her 30-year career, she has distinguished herself as tough, as fair, an independent lawyer who has twice headed one of the most prominent U.S. attorney’s offices in the country. She has spent years in the trenches as a prosecutor, aggressively fighting terrorism, financial fraud, cybercrime, all while vigorously defending civil rights.”

If confirmed as attorney general, Lynch would be the first African-American woman to hold the position. In brief remarks, Lynch thanked President Obama and pledged to defend the rights of all citizens.

Loretta Lynch: “Mr. President, thank you again for the faith that you’ve placed in me. I pledge today to you and to the American people that if I have the honor of being confirmed by the Senate, I will wake up every morning with the protection of the American people my first thought. And I will work every day to safeguard our citizens, our liberties, our rights and this great nation, which has given so much to me and my family.”