Key facts
- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill was indicted on 16 criminal charges.
- Murrill allegedly threatened New Orleans officials with removal from office.
- The charges relate to opposition to a new state law overhauling local courts.
- The law eliminated the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk position.
- Governor Jeff Landry stated he would pardon Murrill.
Louisiana's Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill was indicted on criminal charges Thursday by a New Orleans grand jury. The indictment stems from allegations that Murrill attempted to intimidate eight New Orleans officials, including Mayor Helena Moreno and District Attorney Jason Williams, who opposed a new state law designed to overhaul local courts. Murrill reportedly warned these officials they could face removal from their jobs due to their opposition.
The controversial law, enacted by Republican legislators at the urging of Governor Jeff Landry, eliminated the position of Orleans Parish criminal court clerk. This change occurred shortly before Calvin Duncan, who had been elected to the post with significant support, was set to take office. Duncan's supporters viewed the law as an effort by the conservative Legislature to undermine the will of voters in a predominantly Black, Democratic area.
Governor Landry publicly supported Murrill, calling the New Orleans criminal justice system a "circus" and vowing to pardon her "as fast as the law allows." The Republican Attorneys General Association also defended Murrill, asserting that her statements were merely a legal opinion and a warning to public officials about the law, consistent with her official duties. Critics, however, interpreted her actions as an attempt to coerce compliance.