Erica MacDonald Speaks With KSTP on Process of Appointing the Next U.S. Attorney for Minnesota

Partner Erica MacDonald spoke with KSTP about next steps in the search for Minnesota’s new U.S. Attorney as the current U.S. Attorney for the state, Andrew Luger, confirmed he will step down from the role once the Trump administration takes office in January. The article notes that four Minnesota U.S. House members have formed a nomination committee to help recommend candidates to President-elect Donald Trump for anticipated open positions, including U.S. Attorney for Minnesota. In the article, “Committee Considering Candidates for U.S. Attorney Accepting Applications Through Friday,” MacDonald, a former U.S. Attorney, discussed the expectations for a U.S. Attorney candidate.

“As the U.S. attorney it’s your obligation and your duty to look at the threats and risks that present to the State of Minnesota and to make the appropriate determination as to allocation of resources,” said MacDonald.

MacDonald explained that during the transition in leadership, assistant U.S. attorneys and staff in the office continue prosecuting criminal cases.

“I enjoyed great latitude in determining what the right thing for the state of Minnesota was and how to allocate those resources.” 

MacDonald added that the U.S. Attorney’s Office must be actively involved in the community. “There should be full communication with community so they understand what the priorities are and what the mission is and how the office is working to protect public safety.”