Tennessee's top prison official resigns after failed Christa Pike execution

What they're saying: In a statement, Strada said he believed his department "carried out its responsibilities in accordance with the established protocol.

• "Even so, stepping aside is in the best interest of Tennesseans as the independent review moves forward."

Lee said Strada "served with integrity," adding that he appreciated Strada's "willingness to put the interests of Tennesseans first during this difficult moment. …

• "I thank Commissioner Strada for his dedicated service to Tennessee and pray God's blessings over him in the days ahead."

The big picture: Strada's department has faced bipartisan criticism following the unprecedented failures during the attempt to execute Pike on Wednesday night.

• Her attorneys said the execution team used at least seven needles in their attempts to find a vein for an IV.
• Pike's attorneys said she complained of intense pain during the injection and developed blisters and burns around the injection site.

Between the lines: Medical experts have said those details suggest the IV wasn't properly connected and that the drug might not have gone directly into her bloodstream.

Pike was unconscious and on a ventilator in a local hospital on Friday, her attorneys said.