Lynch Sworn In as U.S. Attorney General, Succeeding Holder

Loretta Lynch was sworn in as U.S. attorney general on Monday, becoming the first black woman to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement officer.

Lynch, who was confirmed by the Senate on April 23, replaces Eric Holder as head of the Justice Department. Her confirmation on a 56-43 vote ended a five-month wait after her nomination, which was marked by partisan fights over unrelated legislation and Republican concerns that she won’t be independent enough from President Barack Obama.