New Orleans leaders urge dropping charges against Murrill

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, the City Council, District Attorney Jason Williams, and retired Judge Calvin Johnson have urged Special Prosecutor Laurie White to dismiss the indictment against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, arguing that the ongoing case inflames tensions between state and city officials and distracts from public work. In their letters, the officials emphasize that while some language in the letters from Murrill was threatening, they do not believe it could be carried out and that the public interest is better served by moving forward toward resolution. The indictment centers on 16 felony counts tied to letters Murrill sent to local leaders after a state-law change that consolidated clerical duties, with Williams noting cooperative efforts between his office and the state in reducing violent crime. The group of victims named in the case—including Williams, Moreno, council members, and Johnson—either co-signed Moreno’s request or expressed no opposition to dismissing the charges, arguing the dispute has become a distraction. Murrill’s legal team has also filed motions related to access to communications and subpoenas connected to the grand jury proceedings. The developing story indicates continued push and counter-push over whether to pursue or drop the charges as the city seeks to focus on governance over political dispute.