WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama has chosen a federal prosecutor in New York to become the next attorney general.

The White House says in a statement that Obama intends to nominate federal prosecutor Loretta Lynch to replace Eric Holder as the leader of the Justice Department.

The White House calls Lynch "a strong, independent prosecutor."

If Lynch is confirmed, she will be Obama's second trailblazing pick for the post. Holder was the first black attorney general, and she would be the first black woman.

Lynch is the federal prosecutor for Eastern New York, which covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island.

A formal announcement is planned Saturday at the White House.