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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: VA. A.G. JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
RICHMOND, Virginia, June 27 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news wrap up on June 26, 2026:
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
Successfully defends life-saving background check law, announces plans to hold firearm industry accountable, and joins fight against federal abuse of power
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Attorney General Jones this week won a major case that will protect a life-saving measure in the fight against gun violence, shared how his office will hold bad actors in the firearm industry accountable, and spoke up
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RICHMOND, Virginia, June 27 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news wrap up on June 26, 2026:
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
Successfully defends life-saving background check law, announces plans to hold firearm industry accountable, and joins fight against federal abuse of power
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Attorney General Jones this week won a major case that will protect a life-saving measure in the fight against gun violence, shared how his office will hold bad actors in the firearm industry accountable, and spoke upagainst continued abuses of power from the federal government.
Protecting Virginians
Attorney General Jay Jones secured a victory that will put the Commonwealth back on a path to protecting Virginians, with the Lynchburg Circuit Court ruling to dissolve an injunction that blocked background checks on the private sales of firearms. Also, this week, Attorney General Jones welcomed legislators, law enforcement officers, gun violence prevention advocates, and members of the community to discuss the importance of Virginia's firearm industry accountability law going into effect July 1.
PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Secures Victory in Lynchburg Circuit Court; Background Checks on Private Firearm Sales to Resume July 1
"For too long, communities across the Commonwealth have lived in fear and been tormented by grief and loss as the result of preventable gun violence. This is especially true for Black and Brown communities who experience gun violence at a disproportionate rate. Background checks keep guns out of dangerous hands and save lives," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "My predecessor's refusal to defend Virginia's life-saving law was shameful and it put the safety of our communities at risk. The Court's decision today rights that wrong and puts the Commonwealth back on a path of protecting Virginians and stemming the tide of gun violence in our communities."
Cardinal News: Background checks for private firearm sales to resume July 1
A Lynchburg judge cleared the way for the reinstatement of background checks for the private sale of firearms on Wednesday after a legal back and forth that had halted the checks off and on since October.
Background checks for the private sale of firearms will resume on July 1.
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Yeatts read his opinion, which agreed with Attorney General Jay Jones' request to dissolve the injunction, into the record from the bench on Wednesday. The ruling has effectively allowed the enactment of HB 1525, which directs the state police to conduct background checks for the sale or transfer of all firearms.
Virginia Scope: Injunction to be dissolved against background checks for private gun sales
A Lynchburg Circuit Court judge has ruled that an injunction blocking background checks for private gun sales in Virginia will be dissolved next week, ending a legal fight of on-again, off-again background checks.
The judge ruled from the bench on Wednesday that he agreed with the attorney's general argument and the injunction will be dissolved on July 1.
The permanent injunction was put into place last year by the judge in a lawsuit against the 2020 law that required Virginia State Police to conduct background checks for private gun sales.
The General Assembly passed new legislation earlier this year that accomplished the same goal by requiring anyone who purchases a gun to be 21-years-old. Previously, it was legal to purchase a handgun privately at 18-years-old. Federal law prohibited licensed dealers from selling handguns to anyone under 21.
The new legislation also included language directing VSP to conduct background checks to ensure this law is enforced.
WCYB: VA court dissolves injunction blocking background checks on private sale of firearms
The Lynchburg Circuit Court ruled on Wednesday to dissolve the injunction blocking background checks on the private sale of firearms.
Attorney General Jay Jones called this a major victory for gun violence prevention efforts and the public safety of Virginia.
CBS19: Judge dissolves gun injunction
A Lynchburg judge dissolved an injunction that would have prevented a new, universal background check law from taking effect in Virginia.
This means that, as of July 1, people will be required to pass a background check before buying a gun in the state.
PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Holds Press Conference on Firearm Industry Accountability Legislation
"Public safety isn't a privilege reserved for a select few. Every Virginian deserves to feel safe, and this law is going to make our communities safer," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "Accountability is the bedrock of our legal system, and firearm industry actors who are negligent and cause harm through unlawful or irresponsible practices will be held accountable by this office. Every victim, every loved one left behind, every neighborhood, deserves justice and this office will always be in service to the people of our Commonwealth."
WCYB: Virginia attorney general highlights new firearm industry accountability law
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones held a press conference Monday to discuss new firearm industry accountability legislation signed into law this spring.
Jones said Virginia's new Firearm Industry Accountability Law is designed to help keep communities safe and hold people accountable. "Safety is not a privilege that is reserved for a select few. It is a right that belongs to every Virginian," Jones said. "We know that gun violence takes a toll on all of our families, our communities and futures."
Jones said the law creates new standards for gun companies and requires firearm industry members to put safeguards in place to help prevent guns from ending up in the wrong hands.
The law includes measures aimed at preventing illegal sales and gun trafficking.
"Dealers who look the other way during straw purchases, dealers who have failed to prevent theft, dealers who have failed to follow basic safeguards designed to keep guns out of dangerous hands," Jones said.
WSET: New accountability law for firearm businesses takes effect in Virginia
A new Virginia law aimed at holding firearm businesses accountable is now moving into the enforcement phase.
On Monday, Attorney General Jay Jones announced how his office plans to enforce the new law. It targets violations like illegal sales and businesses that fail to follow required safeguards.
Supporters say it gives the state more accountability tools, but legal challenges could come.
The Center Square: Virginia attorney general details firearm law enforcement
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said Monday his office will begin enforcing the firearm industry accountability law when it takes effect July 1, saying it gives the state new tools to pursue firearm businesses that break the law.
Speaking at a Richmond press conference on Monday ahead of implementation on Wednesday of next week, Jones said the law allows the Office of the Attorney General to investigate alleged violations, seek court orders and bring civil lawsuits against firearm manufacturers, distributors and dealers that fail to meet standards established under state law.
"This legislation represents a significant step forward in protecting the public, promoting responsible practices and enhancing public safety," Jones said. "Accountability is not a radical idea. Accountability makes up the foundation of our legal system."
Jones said the law is aimed at businesses that break the law, not responsible gun owners or firearms dealers that follow it.
WAVY: New gun legislation is coming to VA in July
Attorney General Jay Jones spoke Monday morning about Virginia's new accountability law for guns. This bill, HB21/ SB27, will set standards of conduct for firearm dealers and will require the firearm industry to maintain control of the sale of firearms.
"We know that gun violence takes its toll on all of our families, our communities, and our futures. It steals lives. It leaves empty seats at dinner tables. It devastates neighborhoods," said the attorney general.
The Office of the Attorney General says Virginia has taken a significant step by enacting legislation to hold firearm industry members accountable for harmful practices.
WVTF: In wake of SCOTUS ruling, Virginia AG Jones pledges to enforce new firearm manufacturer liability law
The U.S. Supreme Court is known to support second amendment rights. But a decision last week is backing Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones' effort to enforce a new firearm law.
"Again, this is about public safety, this is about accountability," Jones said from the entrance of the Barbara Johns building Monday morning, defending a new law that creates standards of responsible conduct for gun sellers and makers, and allows his office to file suit if violations occur.
Richmond Times Dispatch: New Va law gives AG authority to investigate firearm dealers suspected of impropriety
Firearm dealers and manufacturers in Virginia will next month be subject to a court injunction and civil penalties if they violate the state's new standards of responsible conduct for gun industry members.
The new rules require industry members to implement business practices aimed at preventing giving a gun to a firearm trafficker, someone who is at risk of using a gun to harm someone, or a "straw purchaser" - someone who legally buys a gun to give it to someone who is prohibited from owning a gun.
"I intend to use this new authority to seek justice for every community in Virginia that has been impacted by this issue," said Attorney General Jay Jones at a press conference Monday morning in downtown Richmond. "This law reflects a simple principle: when gun industry actors act negligently and cause harm through irresponsible or unlawful practices, they should be held accountable."
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"This is not about shutting down responsible Virginia businesses who follow the law and take seriously their responsibility to keep guns out of the wrong hands," Jones said. "This law ... is about addressing a small number of bad actors whose negligent practices help fuel violence in our communities."
Highlights New Laws
Attorney General Jay Jones sat down with NBC12's Henry Graff to talk about the new laws taking effect on July 1. AG Jones also highlighted the new authorities granted to the Office of the Attorney General and shared how the OAG will leverage these new authorities to keep Virginians safe, lower costs, and protect fundamental rights.
PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Highlights New Laws Going into Effect July 1
"From being empowered to hold bad actors in the firearm industry accountable, to strengthening the consumer protections that will keep Virginians safe and go after unscrupulous corporations leveraging deceptive practices to pad their pockets during a cost crisis burdening hardworking families, this office is ready to enforce the slate of laws taking effect on July 1," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "These laws reflect what matters to the people of the Commonwealth - safe communities, combating the cost crisis, and fighting back as federal overreach threatens our rights. This office will keep listening to the people it serves and enforcing the laws on the books."
Continues Fighting Federal Overreach
Attorney General Jay Jones joined a multistate coalition in filing an amicus brief urging the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Florida to evaluate the "settlement" agreement in Trump v. IRS, which would allow President Trump to skirt accountability for his illegal actions. Also, this week, Attorney General Jones reaffirmed his commitment to protecting reproductive rights for all, on the anniversary of the devasting Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Supreme Court decision.
PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Condemns Unprecedented Misuse of Legal System in Trump v. IRS
"This proposed "settlement" is yet another appalling example of Donald Trump's belief that he is above the law, and that his presidency allows him to evade accountability for his illegal actions," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "The people of the Commonwealth are fed up with his schemes, and they are fed up with elected leaders who believe they are above the people they serve. This office will use every resource available to speak up for and act on behalf of Virginians, who deserve better than a president who only serves himself."
Virginia Mercury: Virginia joins challenge to Trump's controversial IRS settlement
Virginia Attorney Jay Jones joined a coalition of 22 Democratic attorneys general Wednesday urging a federal judge in Florida to closely examine a controversial settlement tied to President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, arguing the agreement raises serious constitutional and ethics concerns.
The filing, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, asks the court to scrutinize what the coalition describes as a potentially "collusive" settlement between Trump and the U.S. Department of Justice in the case known as Trump v. IRS.
The attorneys general argue the agreement would grant broad protections to Trump, his family and business interests while creating a proposed $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization" fund that the president's critics say could steer taxpayer money toward Trump allies and others claiming they were unfairly targeted by the government.
PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Reflects on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Supreme Court Decision
"Four years ago, the constitutional right of women everywhere to make decisions about reproductive healthcare decisions with their medical providers was ripped away and left to states to regulate. In the wake of that decision, we have seen conservative state after conservative state across the nation not only ban access to reproductive health care, but also threaten to jail and sanction medical professionals who provide medical care to their patients. In fact, Virginia is the only southern state in the nation without a post-Dobbs ban on abortion.
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In November, Virginia voters will have the opportunity to vote in favor of a constitutional amendment to enshrine reproductive rights into our constitution. I am confident Virginia will remain a crucial access point for women's healthcare, and my office will leverage every legal tool at our disposal to protect these freedoms."
Celebrates Juneteenth
Over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, freedom finally came to the enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth is a reminder that no one is free until everyone is free. This office will remain relentless in the fight to reach the American ideal of "freedom for all" and to ultimately create a better, more equitable, America.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3056-what-virginians-are-seeing-attorney-general-jay-jones-shares-weekly-roundup-of-actions-taken-10
Okla. A.G. Drummond Praises New Chickasaw Nation Governor
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 27 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on June 26, 2026:
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Drummond praises new Chickasaw Nation governor
Attorney General Gentner Drummond made the following remarks today after Chickasaw Nation Gov. Chris Anoatubby took the oath of office.
"Gov. Chris Anoatubby's principled leadership, dynamic vision and steadfast commitment to the Chickasaw people make him the right leader to carry the Nation forward," Drummond said.
"I look forward to working with Gov. Anoatubby to build a bright future for Oklahoma."
Drummond
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 27 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on June 26, 2026:
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Drummond praises new Chickasaw Nation governor
Attorney General Gentner Drummond made the following remarks today after Chickasaw Nation Gov. Chris Anoatubby took the oath of office.
"Gov. Chris Anoatubby's principled leadership, dynamic vision and steadfast commitment to the Chickasaw people make him the right leader to carry the Nation forward," Drummond said.
"I look forward to working with Gov. Anoatubby to build a bright future for Oklahoma."
Drummondalso praised the enduring legacy Gov. Bill Anoatubby leaves behind following the former governor's farewell address at the Oath of Office Ceremony.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/june/drummond-praises-new-chickasaw-nation-governor.html
North Dakota Attorney General Issued an Opinion to VA Dept.
BISMARCK, North Dakota, June 27 -- North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued the following opinion:
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The North Dakota Attorney General issued an opinion to the Department of Veterans' Affairs
Request: Kelly Volk requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the North Dakota Department of Veterans' Affairs (Veterans' Affairs) failed to provide requested reports from a database or failed to timely respond to the request for reports, and thereby violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Veterans' Affairs complied with N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18
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BISMARCK, North Dakota, June 27 -- North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued the following opinion:
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The North Dakota Attorney General issued an opinion to the Department of Veterans' Affairs
Request: Kelly Volk requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the North Dakota Department of Veterans' Affairs (Veterans' Affairs) failed to provide requested reports from a database or failed to timely respond to the request for reports, and thereby violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Veterans' Affairs complied with N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18by providing the responsive reports that existed within its custody or possession, and it was not obligated to create reports that did not exist.
2. Veterans' Affairs failed to comply with N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18(8) by failing to provide an acknowledgment of a request and for failing to provide records within a reasonable time.
The existing records have been provided to Ms. Volk. Therefore, there are no further corrective measures to be taken by the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Link to opinion (https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-O-12.pdf)
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/the-north-dakota-attorney-general-issued-an-opinion-to-the-department-of-veterans-affairs/
Ga. A.G. Carr Convicts Three PDE Gang Members in DeKalb County
ATLANTA, Georgia, June 27 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on June 26, 2026:
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Carr Convicts Three PDE Gang Members in DeKalb County
DEKALB COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Gang Prosecution Unit has secured three new convictions in DeKalb County involving members of PDE, a local criminal street gang also known as Paradise East or Paper Drugs Extortion. While associated with PDE, the defendants engaged in criminal gang activity and committed various weapon offenses in furtherance of the gang.
One of the defendants,
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ATLANTA, Georgia, June 27 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on June 26, 2026:
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Carr Convicts Three PDE Gang Members in DeKalb County
DEKALB COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Gang Prosecution Unit has secured three new convictions in DeKalb County involving members of PDE, a local criminal street gang also known as Paradise East or Paper Drugs Extortion. While associated with PDE, the defendants engaged in criminal gang activity and committed various weapon offenses in furtherance of the gang.
One of the defendants,Darius Scott, was convicted by a DeKalb County Jury on June 25, 2026. The other two defendants, Jamerson McCamey and Corey Dumas, entered guilty pleas prior to trial. Both McCamey and Dumas were sentenced to prison. Sentencing for Scott will take place at a later date.
"This is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to dismantle the growing gang networks that are terrorizing our communities, and we won't stop until all those responsible are behind bars," said Attorney General Chris Carr. "By partnering with APD and DeKalb County Police, we have been able to take down violent repeat offenders, and we have removed illegal weapons from our streets. Keeping Georgians safe will always be our top priority, and those who support or participate in violent gang activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Lee M. Stoy, Jr. and McKenzie Gray. It was investigated by the DeKalb County Police Department and the Atlanta Police Department (APD).
"Gang violence and organized criminal activity have no place in DeKalb County," said DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick. "This conviction is the result of the outstanding work of DeKalb County Police detectives, the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit, and our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to build a strong case and hold these offenders accountable. We will continue to aggressively investigate gang-related crime and work alongside our partners to protect the communities we serve."
"The Atlanta Police Department is committed to getting criminal street gangs off our streets and out of our neighborhoods," said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. "Anytime we stop illegal activities, especially those driven by criminal street gangs, it is a win for communities locally and nationally. The conviction of these individuals proves that the commitment to and effectiveness of our law enforcement and public safety partnerships are making a positive impact in our communities."
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About PDE
PDE was formed in the Bouldercrest Road area of DeKalb County. It derives its name from the apartment complex, Paradise East, which serves as the gang's base of operation. PDE was born out of Sex Money Murder, a Blood gang from New York City. Members of PDE commonly use the moniker "4L," to refer to the gang.
Convictions and Sentencing
The defendants in this case, along with their convictions and sentences, are listed below.
Darius Scott, 35, of Dallas:
On June 25, 2026, Scott was convicted of the below charges following a two-day Jury trial in DeKalb County. Sentencing will occur on July 7, 2026.
* 3 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 3 counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
* 1 count of Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun
Jamerson McCamey, 22, of Atlanta:
McCamey pleaded guilty to all charges brought against him in April 2026. He was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation.
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a First Offender Probationer
Corey Dumas, 20, of Atlanta:
Dumas pleaded guilty to all charges brought against him in January 2026. He was sentenced to five years in prison.
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under the Age of 18 Years
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About the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit
In 2022, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia's first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit.
Since it began its historic work on July 1, 2022, the Gang Prosecution Unit has investigated and prosecuted cases in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Bibb, Bryan, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Dougherty, Fulton, Gwinnett, Laurens, Lowndes, Muscogee, Richmond, Spalding, Thomas, Upson and Washington counties, with roughly 140 convictions secured across the state.
Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and Southeast Georgia.
The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General's Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-06-26/carr-convicts-three-pde-gang-members-dekalb-county
Attorney General Liz Murrill Supports Nomination of Todd Blanche as United States Attorney General
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, June 27 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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Attorney General Liz Murrill Supports Nomination of Todd Blanche as United States Attorney General
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joined a coalition of 23 state attorneys general in urging the United States Senate to swiftly confirm Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the next United States Attorney General.
In a letter sent to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, Ranking Member Richard Durbin, and members of the committee, Attorney General Murrill and her
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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, June 27 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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Attorney General Liz Murrill Supports Nomination of Todd Blanche as United States Attorney General
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joined a coalition of 23 state attorneys general in urging the United States Senate to swiftly confirm Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the next United States Attorney General.
In a letter sent to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, Ranking Member Richard Durbin, and members of the committee, Attorney General Murrill and herfellow attorneys general urged the Senate to swiftly confirm Blanche to lead the U.S. Department of Justice. The coalition highlighted Blanche's proven record of protecting public safety, vigorously enforcing federal law, strengthening partnerships between the Department of Justice and state attorneys general, and delivering results in the fight against violent crime, gangs, cartels, terrorists, transnational criminal organizations, and other threats to public safety.
"Proud to join my fellow attorneys general in urging the Senate to swiftly confirm Todd Blanche as the next United States Attorney General. Todd has a proven record of protecting public safety, vigorously enforcing federal law, and delivering real results. I appreciate his commitment to strengthening the partnership between the Department of Justice and state attorneys general, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to keep Louisiana families safe," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The coalition's letter urges the Senate to swiftly confirm Blanche as Attorney General, highlighting his commitment to public safety, effective stewardship of the Department of Justice, and continued collaboration with state attorneys general to uphold the Constitution, protect communities, and ensure equal justice under the law.
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June 24, 2026
Senator Charles E. Grassley, Chairman
Senator Richard J. Durbin, Ranking Member
Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Re: Letter of Support for the Nomination of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General of the United States
Dear Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin, & Members of the Committee:
We, the undersigned state attorneys general, write to express our strong support for the nomination of Todd Blanche to serve as the next Attorney General of the United States.
The Attorney General occupies one of the most consequential positions in our constitutional system. As chief law enforcement officers, we recognize that the office demands principled leadership, effective management of a vast law enforcement enterprise, fidelity to the rule of law, and a commitment to protecting public safety.
We are confident that Mr. Blanche is the right person at the right time.
Under Mr. Blanche's leadership as Deputy Attorney General and Acting Attorney General, the Department of Justice has achieved consequential results across a broad range of law enforcement priorities. Notably, the nation has experienced its lowest murder rate since 1900, while federal law enforcement efforts have intensified against violent criminals, gangs, cartels, terrorists, and transnational criminal organizations.
Mr. Blanche has overseen significant efforts to improve border security and immigration enforcement. The Department has secured favorable court rulings supporting immigration enforcement initiatives, reduced the immigration case backlog by hundreds of thousands of cases, and worked closely with federal partners to apprehend criminal aliens and transnational gang members who threaten public safety.
The Department has taken decisive action to end discrimination on the basis of race, life-altering gender reassignment surgeries on minors, and the weaponization of our justice system. And, in the face of unprecedented obstruction, the Department under Mr. Blanche's leadership has won approximately 80% of its cases at the United States Supreme Court.
The Department has substantially expanded prosecutions, securing tens of thousands more prosecutions than in comparable periods under the prior administration while successfully targeting organized criminal enterprises, including hundreds of indictments involving Tren de Aragua and other violent gangs. The FBI has captured eight of its ten Most Wanted fugitives, disrupted thousands of gangs and criminal enterprises, located thousands of missing children, and arrested thousands of child predators and human traffickers.
Of vital importance to our states is Mr. Blanche's committed approach to combating fraud against taxpayers. Under his leadership, we are confident that the Department will continue to prioritize safeguarding taxpayer dollars, streamline bureaucratic inefficiencies, and aggressively prosecute the exploitation of federal programs.
Furthermore, Mr. Blanche has demonstrated exemplary dedication to rebuilding and strengthening partnerships with state attorneys general. As a former prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, Mr. Blanche recognizes that state chief law enforcement officers possess invaluable, localized insights into the safety and legal challenges facing American communities. His commitment to open communication and collaborative enforcement has ushered in new era of federal-state cooperation on critical issues such as violent crime, drug trafficking, and consumer protection.
Finally, Mr. Blanche's critics have no serious objection to his qualifications, character, or leadership. What they really oppose is President Trump's agenda. And because Mr. Blanche has been so successful at implementing those policies, they would prefer he not be at the helm. We, thus, urge the Committee to disregard these complaints.
At a time when Americans expect their government to protect communities from violent crime, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, and organized criminal activity, Todd Blanche has shown the ability to deliver real results. His record reflects a commitment to public safety, vigorous enforcement of federal law, and effective stewardship of the Department of Justice.
For these reasons, we urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Todd Blanche as United States Attorney General. We look forward to working alongside him to uphold the Constitution, protect our communities, and ensure equal justice under the law.
Sincerely,
Austin Knudsen, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MONTANA
Steve Marshall, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ALABAMA
Cori Mills
ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ALASKA
Tim Griffin, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ARKANSAS
James Uthmeier, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF FLORIDA
Christopher M. Carr, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF GEORGIA
Raul Labrador, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF IDAHO
Todd Rokita, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF INDIANA
Brenna Bird, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF IOWA
Kris W. Kobach, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF KANSAS
Russell M. Coleman, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF KENTUCKY
Liz Murrill, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF LOUISIANA
Lynn Fitch, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MISSISSIPPI
Catherine L. Hanaway, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MISSOURI
Mike Hilgers, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NEBRASKA
Drew Wrigley, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NORTH DAKOTA
Dave Yost, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF OHIO
Alan Wilson, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Marty J. Jackley, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Jonathan Skrmetti, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TENNESSEE
Ken Paxton, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS
Derek Brown, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF UTAH
John B. McCuskey, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF WEST VIRGINIA
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Original text here: https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/551
Attorney General Ken Paxton Successfully Stops Harris County from Using Taxpayer Funds to Protect Illegal Immigrants from Deportation
AUSTIN, Texas, June 27 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Successfully Stops Harris County from Using Taxpayer Funds to Protect Illegal Immigrants from Deportation
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Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured an order in the Supreme Court of Texas ("SCOTX") that successfully stops Harris County's efforts to give away taxpayer dollars to fund the defense of illegal aliens in federal deportation proceedings.
Attorney General Paxton sued Harris County for unlawfully directing over $1.3 million in taxpayer funds to defend illegal
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, June 27 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Successfully Stops Harris County from Using Taxpayer Funds to Protect Illegal Immigrants from Deportation
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Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured an order in the Supreme Court of Texas ("SCOTX") that successfully stops Harris County's efforts to give away taxpayer dollars to fund the defense of illegal aliens in federal deportation proceedings.
Attorney General Paxton sued Harris County for unlawfully directing over $1.3 million in taxpayer funds to defend illegalaliens from deportation. Now, SCOTX has ordered that Harris County is barred from continuing to disburse its funds as the case continues to be litigated.
"This is a major win for protecting taxpayer dollars," said Attorney General Paxton. "It's deeply wrong that any Texan should be forced to have their hard-earned dollars taken from them only to be handed out to defend illegal aliens. It's unacceptable, it's illegal, and it will not stand in the Lone Star State. I commend the Texas Supreme Court for correctly ordering that this unlawful program is frozen as the case continues."
To read the order, click here.
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Original text here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-successfully-stops-harris-county-using-taxpayer-funds-protect-illegal
Attorney General Alan Wilson supports removing inappropriate material from library shelves
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, June 27 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
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Attorney General Alan Wilson supports removing inappropriate material from library shelves
Attorney General Alan Wilson recently joined West Virginia in support of the Greenville County Library System having the authority to remove inappropriate materials from its shelves.
Libraries have long been seen as serving a critical function in our democratic republic. That not only includes the selection of books, but also the deselection of material from the collection.
The States argue
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COLUMBIA, South Carolina, June 27 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
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Attorney General Alan Wilson supports removing inappropriate material from library shelves
Attorney General Alan Wilson recently joined West Virginia in support of the Greenville County Library System having the authority to remove inappropriate materials from its shelves.
Libraries have long been seen as serving a critical function in our democratic republic. That not only includes the selection of books, but also the deselection of material from the collection.
The States arguethat South Carolina libraries and democratically accountable officials should decide what goes on the shelves of taxpayer-funded libraries. The plaintiffs contend that shelves should be filled with whatever patrons want, including in children's sections.
"Books promoting gender transition have no business in children's sections of libraries," Attorney General Wilson stated. "My office has continued to help our state libraries stay in alignment with state law and, as Attorney General, I will continue to ensure our children are not indoctrinated with woke ideology while parents are kept on the sideline."
There have already been at least four lawsuits within South Carolina alone regarding library curation. Libraries are constantly determining what to buy, what to put on the shelves, and what to cut. A patchwork of court decisions leads to second-guessing and confusion about which rules to follow.
The lawsuit is being heard in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
You can read the letter here.
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Original text here: https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/attorney-general-alan-wilson-supports-removing-inappropriate-material-from-library-shelves/
