Murrill meets with city leaders about French Quarter gun-free zone

Attorney General Liz Murrill says she has met with New Orleans city officials to discuss their plan to convert the NOPD's Eighth District Police Station into a vocational technical school in order to create a gun-free zone in the French Quarter.

“I had a productive meeting with NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and District Attorney Jason Williams, and Councilwoman Helena Moreno on Thursday in which I shared my concerns," Murrill said in a statement issued on Friday. "They are working on a solution that would comply with the law."

Murrill has gone on record as saying she believes the plan to convert the Eighth District Station into a vo-tech school violates state law.

Moreno confirmed that the meeting happened. She said Murrill and the city leaders at the meeting discussed not only public safety in the Vieux Carré but also ways to get ankle monitoring under control.

"It was an incredibly productive meeting," Moreno said Friday afternoon. "I look forward to continuing working hand-in-hand with her to find the best ways to enhance public safety in the French Quarter."

Williams also confirmed that the meeting took place, calling it a "fruitful meeting."

"Through a thoughtful exchange of ideas, I believe we have settled on key steps to further solidify our ability to move forward and keep our residents and visitors safe," Williams said in a statement. "Regardless of party affiliation we can always agree that public safety is a top priority."

New Orleans Police Department spokesperson Karen Boudrie echoed Moreno's and Williams's sentiments.

"The Superintendent was extremely pleased with the meeting and has stated that a plans/solution has been worked out and will be revealed in the coming days," the spokesperson said.