Andrew M. Luger has announced his resignation from his role as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, marking the conclusion of his leadership which began in March 2022 after being appointed by President Joseph R. Biden. Luger's departure is scheduled for 11:59 p.m. on January 15, 2025, as reported in a release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. His tenure, a second run after a previous appointment by President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017, was noted for its focus on violent crime, gun and gang violence, and child exploitation cases.
Luger made substantial contributions to Minnesota’s federal law enforcement during his time in office. "I have been honored to lead this office for the second time. In March 2022, I set us on the path to address violent crime to meet the challenge our community faced," Luger said. His office made significant strides against various crimes, including successful prosecutions of over 100 gang members and the initiation of first-ever RICO cases against Minneapolis gangs. The passage of the torch sees Lisa D. Kirkpatrick stepping in as the Acting United States Attorney, a role she takes over with a strong background as a federal prosecutor.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office under Luger's guidance, prosecuted numerous high-profile cases, including the prosecution of 70 defendants in the Feeding Our Future scandal and convicting Tony Lazzaro in sex trafficking. These actions align with Luger's commitment to disrupting the operations of armed criminals and safeguarding the community against various forms of injustice and corruption. His innovative methods garnered him accolades, including an Honorary Award of Appreciation from the ATF for his contributions to firearm violence prevention.
Amongst his peers, Luger was known as a forward thinker, especially when it came to violent crime. His work earned him a commendation from the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and the Minneapolis Police Department, alongside his role as chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee’s Violent Crime Subcommittee. These positions placed him at the vanguard of developing strategies to address violent crime nationwide.
As Luger steps down, he expresses his gratitude and reflects on his service. "I thank President Biden for nominating me as United States Attorney, and Attorney General Garland for leading the Department and supporting the District of Minnesota during my tenure. It has been an honor to serve the American people," Luger stated. His resignation begins a new chapter for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as they continue the mission of ensuring justice within the Minnesota district.
