On Wednesday, MSNBC’s Martin Bashir, who had been absent from his show for nearly two weeks, announced via email that he would be resigning from his show in the aftermath of saying someone should “p*ss” and “s***” in Sarah Palin’s mouth. MSNBC had maintained that the host was on vacation.

Bashir said in a statement:

After making an on-air apology, I asked for permission to take some additional time out around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation. It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments.

I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers – who are the smartest, most compassionate and discerning of all television audiences. I would also wish to express deepest gratitude to my immediate colleagues, and our contributors, all of whom have given so much of themselves to our broadcast.’

TruthRevolt’s petition for MSNBC to fire Bashir quickly reached its goal of 2,000 signatures within 48 hours of launch. TruthRevolt Special Ops have also been contacting Bashir’s advertisers asking them to withdraw their advertising from his show in the aftermath of the comments about Palin.

UPDATE: MSNBC President Phil Griffin has now released a statement via Politico: "Martin Bashir resigned today, effective immediately. I understand his decision and I thank him for three great years with MSNBC. Martin is a good man and respected colleague  -- we wish him only the best." Griffin did not condemn Bashir's comments. MSNBC has been completely silent on Bashir's comments on Palin since he made them.