High-profile U.S. attorney tweets he's been fired after refusing to resign

NEW YORK, New York (KTRK) -- An outspoken Manhattan federal prosecutor known for crusading against public corruption said he has been fired after refusing Attorney General Jeff Sessions' request to resign along with other prosecutors appointed by former President Barack Obama.

"I did not resign. Moments ago I was fired. Being the US Attorney in SDNY will forever be the greatest honor of my professional life," Preet Bharara tweeted on Saturday afternoon.

The 48-year-old Bharara was asked by then-President-elect President Donald Trump to remain as U.S. attorney in Manhattan during a November meeting at Trump Tower.

Bharara was appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2009. In frequent public appearances, Bharara has decried public corruption after successfully prosecuting over a dozen state lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans alike.

Spokespeople for Bharara's office declined comment after word Friday that Bharara's name was included on Sessions' list.

The Justice Department declined comment Saturday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.