Mary Moriarty announced she will not seek a second term as Hennepin County attorney, citing a desire to focus on her reform initiatives and avoid media coverage that overshadows her work. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to implement data-driven, equitable criminal justice policies, despite facing criticism and controversy. She believes her reforms will have a lasting impact and plans to continue influencing public safety through other avenues.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Governor Tim Walz exchanged criticisms over the dismissal of charges against state trooper Ryan Londregan. Moriarty accused Walz of meddling in the prosecution, while Walz argued the charges should never have been filed. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over public safety and prosecutorial decisions.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stated he would have intervened in the case against state trooper Ryan Londregan, who fatally shot Ricky Cobb II, if the Hennepin County Attorney's Office hadn't dropped the charges. Londregan was initially charged with second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree manslaughter, but the charges were dismissed due to new evidence suggesting his actions were an authorized use of force. The decision has sparked strong reactions from both Cobb's family and Londregan's supporters.
Gov. Tim Walz announced plans to remove Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty from prosecuting a state trooper for murder, criticizing her handling of the case. Moriarty had already dropped the charges, citing new evidence and ethical concerns. She accused Walz of political bias and criticized systemic barriers in prosecuting law enforcement. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association disputed her claims, suggesting she acted to avoid embarrassment.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has dismissed charges against State Trooper Ryan Londregan in the shooting death of Ricky Cobb II, citing new evidence that made it impossible to prove Londregan's use of force was unauthorized. The decision has sparked controversy and criticism, with some accusing Moriarty of mishandling the case and others expressing concern over the impact on community trust and law enforcement.
Mary Moriarty, the former chief public defender who became the top prosecutor in Minneapolis, is facing criticism and resistance after pledging to overhaul the criminal justice system following George Floyd's murder. Her office has been accused of offering lenient plea deals, facing rejection of deals by judges, and charging a state trooper with murder in a case where the evidence is being questioned, leading to bipartisan concern about her performance.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for taking over the case of Zaria McKeever's killing from her office. Moriarty had offered plea deals to the two juveniles accused in McKeever's killing, which was criticized by McKeever's family and Ellison. Moriarty defended her decision, citing the science of juvenile behavior and the potential trauma the 15-year-old would face in prison. The case was assigned to Ellison's office after he requested it, and Walz used his executive authority to make the assignment.