Famed retired Neurosurgeon says that he's running for US presidency

It's official, famed Neurosurgeon Ben Carson will be running for the office of the United States president under the Republican ticket.

According to Fox News, Carson told an Ohio TV station of his intention to seek the presidency ahead of an official campaign launch event in his hometown of Detroit today (Monday).

Carson, who has never run for public office, is expected to be the only high-profile black Republican presidential candidate trying to parlay his success as a neurosurgeon, author and speaker into a competitive campaign against more established politicians.

He earned national acclaim during 29 years leading the pediatric neurosurgery unit of Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore, where he still lives.

He also directed the first surgery to separate twins connected at the back of the head, and his career inspired the 2009 movie, "Gifted Hands" with actor Cuba Gooding Jr. depicting him.

It had earlier been reported that Carson would probably announce his presidential candidacy in an event in Detroit today May 4th.

The 63-year-old joins other Republicans senators Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz in the quest for the Republican ticket in the race for the 2016 US presidential elections.