Louisiana governor criticizes ‘liberal pledges’ following escape from New Orleans prison

A jailbreak occurred in New Orleans where seven prisoners managed to escape, including two individuals who are suspected of committing murder. The incident took place in the early hours of Friday morning. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry criticized the lenient crime policies in the parish, which he believes facilitated the escape.

During a press conference on Sunday evening, Governor Landry highlighted the contradiction between the city’s progressive initiatives and the escape. He pointed out that by entrusting the jail management to advocates of keeping criminals out of jail, the consequences were evident in the recent breakout. Governor Landry emphasized how the escape of the prisoners symbolizes the flaws in a progressive approach to criminal justice.

Landry ripped politicians who “pander voters” which he said “lead[s] to a lack of safety and order.” 

Gov. Jeff Landry holds a press conference to announce executive orders following the escape of violent inmates from the Orleans Parish Jail.

One of the escapees, Donald, faced charges such as aggravated battery, felon possession of a firearm or weapon, and obstruction of justice. Another escapee, Boyd, was charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, illegal possession of weapons in connection to a crime, and obstruction of justice.

Miles and Vanburen were each facing charges of battery of a correctional facility employee, among other crimes.

Groves pleaded guilty to manslaughter in October and was awaiting sentencing at the jail. 

The 10 inmates who audaciously escaped from New Orleans jail on Friday (Governor Jeff Landry)

“If he would have been sentenced by a court system, he most likely would not have had an opportunity to escape,” Landry said during his press conference. 

Authorities warned that the escapees may have traveled to other states. Bounties of $20,000 have been placed on their heads. 

“We’ve had troopers working alongside our local state and federal partners throughout the night and developing more leads,” the Louisiana State Police told Fox News Digital on Monday morning. 

The FBI did not return a comment request. 

The ATF declined to comment. 

Fox News’ Michael Dorgan, Alexandra Koch and Brooke Taylor contributed to this report.