Full Breakdown
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Felony Indictment Dismissed Amid Political Turmoil
7/23/2026, 2:19:50 PM
Core Event: Indictment Dismissed
A New Orleans grand jury issued a 16-count indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill on July 2, charging her with public intimidation and malfeasance related to letters she sent to city officials about a court-clerk election. The same day the Louisiana Supreme Court stayed the indictment, finding procedural defects in the local court and special-prosecutor process. The following day, special prosecutor Laurie White formally dismissed each count after receiving letters from New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, District Attorney Jason Williams and five City Council members, ordering the case “closed.”
Background & Political Context
The indictment stemmed from a dispute over a state law that eliminated a court-clerk office previously held by exoneree Calvin Duncan and merged it with another clerk’s office. Republican leaders argued the change would improve efficiency, while New Orleans officials opposed it and scheduled a special election that could restore the position. In May, Murrill warned city officials that they could lose their offices for violating “usurper” laws that prohibit support for unauthorized officeholders. The letters were characterized by city leaders as threatening but not actionable.
Official Statements & Responses
Murrill asserted the prosecution was baseless, stating, “What I did was not a crime, it was never a crime.” White described the dismissal as a lawful duty and warned that “extraordinary interference” could set an unwanted precedent. Governor Jeff Landry, who pledged a swift pardon, said the case should be examined by federal authorities, adding, “I think the feds need to come in.” New Orleans officials, in a joint letter, said they were not intimidated and would continue serving the public.
Federal and State Investigation Requests
Higgins also asked the Department of Justice to review the indictment, arguing the grand jury might have been improperly convened. Governor Landry similarly asked state police to investigate the same proceedings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What I did was not a crime, it was never a crime,” — General Liz Murrill, chargesagainst louisiana attorney
- “Extraordinary interference in this situation has been truly unfortunate, and we should all hope that it doesn’t set a precedent,” — Laurie White
- “I think the feds need to come in,” — Republican Gov. Jeff Landry
- “I thought that should be looked at the federal level, so I had a legitimate investigative purpose, and I did the right thing,” — Congressman Rep. Clay Higgins, against the attorney
- “There are significant questions regarding the proper application of the law and whether the Orleans Parish grand jury was righteously convened,” — Congressman Higgins, against the attorney
- “FBI New Orleans should conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that the grand jury was indeed properly convened, not directed for retaliatory purposes, and not tainted by political motivations,” — Congressman Higgins, against the attorney
