In Minnesota’s largest county, Hennepin County, Mary Moriarty was elected as the top prosecutor, vowing to bring about change in a community overshadowed by the death of George Floyd and a national focus on racism in the criminal justice system. A former public defender, Moriarty took office in January 2023, aiming to hold police accountable and shift the office’s culture from an emphasis on punishment towards addressing the root causes of crime.
The election of Moriarty followed the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in 2020 and the resulting protests and legal proceedings against police officers. Despite initial support, Moriarty encountered backlash after making decisions perceived by some as seeking lighter sentences for violent crimes and prioritizing diversion programs over incarceration. Controversies also arose, including a case in which charges against a white state trooper for killing a Black man were initially filed but later dropped.
Critics, including law enforcement and progressive activists, questioned Moriarty’s actions, leading to public disputes with the state’s Democratic governor and requests for the case to be reassigned. However, Moriarty remained steadfast in her commitment to reform, acknowledging the dwindling support but emphasizing the importance of challenging longstanding systems in place.
Having been elected amid a wave of progressive district attorneys post-George Floyd’s death, Moriarty faced challenges in balancing accountability and public safety. Although she garnered nearly 58% of the vote against a former judge, some former supporters criticized her approach for allegedly being too lenient, leading to concerns about reoffenders being quickly released. Notwithstanding criticism, Moriarty’s office highlighted the positive impact of diversion programs in reducing recidivism rates among participants.
While Moriarty pressed on with her reforms, internal and external tensions persisted, with experienced attorneys leaving the office and morale reportedly deteriorating. Despite facing pushback, Moriarty affirmed her determination to continue enacting changes and challenging past failures within the criminal justice system. Supporters like Chaz Neal, appreciative of Moriarty’s policies and commitment to the people, stood by her amidst the criticisms and controversies. Looking ahead, Moriarty expressed her intent to seek reelection and pursue reforms, undeterred by political ambitions or external pressures influencing her decisions.
