Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill was indicted by a New Orleans grand jury on 16 counts, including intimidation and malfeasance, the state's top law enforcement officer stands accused of threatening local officials during a political dispute over the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk's office. Assistant District Attorney Laurie White, who is prosecuting the case, stated that she anticipates the proceedings to be straightforward.
Murrill responded to the indictment on X, calling it "retaliatory, meritless, and unconstitutional" and announced her intention to appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court. "I will not back down," Murrill wrote. "I will continue enforcing the law, fighting corruption, and doing the job the people of Louisiana elected me to do."
Republican Governor Jeff Landry publicly supported Murrill, declaring he would pardon her "as fast as the law allows." Landry referred to the grand jury proceedings as a "kangaroo court" and stated that Murrill would not suffer reputational damage from it. He also called for an investigation into the grand jury proceedings, directing the State Police to investigate alleged improprieties.
The indictment stems from a dispute between state officials and New Orleans authorities concerning the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk's office. Following a Republican-backed legislative overhaul that eliminated the elected clerk position, which had been won by Calvin Duncan, duties were transferred to the parish's civil court clerk. This action prevented Duncan from taking office.
When New Orleans officials pursued options to allow Duncan to assume the role, Murrill reportedly warned them of potential removal from office under Louisiana's "usurper" laws. Prosecutors allege these warnings form the basis of the criminal charges against her. "We’re very interested in elected officials in New Orleans not being intimidated or threatened by letter or any other way," White said after the indictment was unsealed.
Court records indicate Murrill's bond was set at $400,000. Murrill is the first female attorney general in Louisiana.