Orleans Parish Sheriff Suspends Campaign After 10-Inmate Jailbreak

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has suspended her reelection campaign following a mass jailbreak at the Orleans Parish Justice Center where 10 inmates escaped, with five still at large. Hutson accepted full responsibility for the security breach and highlighted longstanding infrastructure failures, staffing shortages, and procedural lapses as contributing factors. A jail maintenance worker has been arrested for allegedly aiding the escape, and four other staff members are under investigation. The incident has sparked significant political backlash, including calls for Hutson's resignation and scrutiny over jail oversight and funding. In response, Governor Jeff Landry has commissioned an audit of the facility, and the state has transferred 63 prisoners to more secure locations. Hutson emphasized that her campaign suspension is temporary, prioritizing public safety and accountability over politics as investigations continue.