New US attorney for Western District of Texas sworn in

John F. Bash, the lawyer nominated by President Donald Trump as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas, has taken the oath of office in San Antonio.

"I am honored to return to the Department of Justice and serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District. I look forward to working alongside the talented and dedicated men and women of this office and our partners in law enforcement to protect and defend the Constitution, ensure the safety and security of our community, and pursue the impartial administration of justice," Bash said in a press release.

The 68-county district stretches from El Paso southeast to Del Rio and north to Waco and into Hill County.

Bash, a 2003 graduate of Harvard University and a 2006 graduate of the Harvard Law School, served as a special assistant to the president and as associate White House counsel prior to his appointment.

Richard L. Durbin, Jr., who had served as U.S. attorney since December 2014, will serve as first assistant United States attorney.