Judge Arthur Hunter’s campaign for Mayor of New Orleans released its first campaign video today, powerfully framing his life’s work as a police officer and judge who has always fought for justice, accountability, and the people of New Orleans.
Hunter, a former NOPD officer, Criminal Court Judge, and longtime advocate for police accountability, warned that such a change would inject harmful political influence into an institution that should remain focused on public safety and professionalism—not politics.
“New Orleans is in trouble. Our streets are broken, crime is out of control, and too many families are struggling. We can’t keep making excuses—it’s time for real solutions,” said Hunter.
"To date, I’ve personally met with over 300 different people, organizations, and groups about the issues facing us. One thing is clear: New Orleans is at a crossroads," said Hunter.
As crowds descend on Bourbon Street in the run-up to the Super Bowl, they'll be met by a layer of checkpoints aimed at enforcing new restrictions that state officials say will keep the crowds safe. But the new ring of defenses won’t keep out one of the deadliest weapons in America: the firearm.
Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks that took down the World Trade towers in New York, cities been more aware that these tragedies can happen anywhere. In particular, the city of New Orleans
as been declared a soft target for a terrorist attack, partly because of the large crowds that gather here, on our streets.
As a former New Orleans Police Department officer, I can tell you from first-hand experience that being a New Orleans Police officer is a tough job. You will be placed in dangerous situations and have to make split decisions to protect people, even if it means disregarding your own safety.
On Saturday afternoon, I sat down for two-and-a-half hours with a group of young African American men, between the ages of 18 and 22, hearing what they think about our city.