Authorities in Louisiana said Friday they were in pursuit of 10 inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail.
Another inmate was captured after a brief foot chase through the French Quarter, the Louisiana State Police said in a post on the social media platform X.
Authorities first noticed the 11 inmates were missing during a Friday morning headcount.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said the department is actively working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to search for the escaped inmates.
"We are launching a full investigation to determine how this escape occurred, including reviewing facility protocols, staff performance and physical security measures," Hutson said. "Any lapses or failures that contributed to this incident will be addressed swiftly and with full accountability."
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill called the escape "beyond unacceptable" and said local authorities had waited too long to inform the public.
"Someone clearly dropped the ball and there’s no excuse for this," Murrill said in an emailed statement. "My office will do whatever it takes to determine how this happened and make sure that it won’t happen again."
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said her agency has put "a full court effort" to respond to the escape and are working with the FBI and U.S. marshals.
"It's more than likely that someone had help and they are not running around in a jumpsuit — but if they are, you’re going to stand out," she said.
Officers were focused on identifying and providing protection for individuals who may have testified in their cases or may be in danger. One family has been "removed" from their home, Kirkpatrick said.
"If there is anyone helping or harboring these escapees, you will be charged," Kirkpatrick added.
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