Embattled St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, who this month announced she would resign effective June 1, said Tuesday she is leaving office immediately, ending a turbulent tenure marked by frequent criticism, especially from Missouri’s Republican leaders.

A statement from Gardner’s office said she has been working with St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell on the transition so his office can take over city cases “to prioritize public safety.” It didn’t explain why the transition was happening sooner than expected.

The sudden announcement caught Bell and his staff off guard, uncertain of who was in charge of prosecuting cases in St. Louis.