Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill (R) has been indicted by a grand jury on 16 criminal counts, including eight counts of malfeasance and eight counts of intimidation, in connection with allegations she threatened New Orleans officials. Former Judge Laurie White, appointed as special prosecutor, confirmed the indictment Thursday, stating, “The grand jury has returned an indictment, it is now a criminal matter.”
The charges stem from letters Murrill allegedly sent in May to Mayor Helena Moreno (D), District Attorney Jason Williams—who recused himself from the probe—and five city council members. The letters warned that their jobs could be at risk if they opposed a new state law merging the city’s criminal and district clerks of court. White argued the letters constituted intimidation, telling reporters, “We’re very interested in elected officials in New Orleans not being intimidated or threatened by letter or any other way.”
Orleans Criminal District Judge Leon Roche issued an arrest warrant for Murrill, setting bond at $25,000 per count—totaling $400,000. Murrill’s attorney, Laura Rodrigue Cannizzaro, called the indictment “embarrassing” and a “complete misuse of the criminal justice system for various reasons.” Cannizzaro said she plans to file emergency motions, accusing both Roche and White of conflicts of interest and raising concerns about jury integrity after leaks to the press.
Governor Jeff Landry (R) quickly condemned the indictment, offering full support to Murrill. In a post on X, Landry wrote, “I would like to inform the great citizens of Louisiana who care about the rule of law, that our fabulous @AGLizMurrill will not have to worry about having her reputation tarnished by this kangaroo grand jury or the Orleans Kangaroo court as I will pardon her as fast as the law allows.” He added, “The criminal justice system is a circus at its finest in Orleans and we will not have any of that!”
White responded to Landry’s pardon pledge with defiance. “Good, let’s get her convicted and then he can pardon her,” she said. The case highlights ongoing tensions between state and local officials in Louisiana, particularly over the merger of court offices. The Hill reached out to Murrill’s office for comment but has not yet received a response.
The indictment comes amid broader political battles in Louisiana, including disputes over mail ballot policies. Recently, the Postmaster General's mail ballot threat drew a legal block, sparking a voting rights outcry. Meanwhile, in other political news, Weiser topped Bennet in the Colorado Democratic primary for governor, and a new AARP poll shows Democrats leading in Ohio governor and Senate races. The Supreme Court also temporarily blocked Trump's firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
