A New Orleans grand jury on Thursday indicted Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on 16 counts, including intimidation and malfeasance, accusing her of threatening local officials during a dispute over the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk's office. The charges stem from Murrill's warnings to officials that they could lose their jobs for violating state law. Assistant District Attorney Laurie White, prosecuting the case, called it "very simple and open and shut."
Murrill, the state's first female attorney general, responded on X, calling the indictment "retaliatory, meritless, and unconstitutional." She vowed to appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court and continue her duties. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry defended Murrill, calling the proceedings a "kangaroo court" and promising to pardon her "as fast as the law allows." Landry also ordered an investigation into the grand jury proceedings.
The dispute centers on a Republican-led overhaul of New Orleans courts, which abolished a clerk office won by exoneree Calvin Duncan. The change was opposed by New Orleans leaders, who set a special election to restore the position. Murrill warned officials in letters that they could be removed for violating state laws against supporting unauthorized officeholders.