Angela Harris, the mother of Aniah Blanchard, whose tragic 2019 murder inspired the passage of Aniah’s Law in Alabama, announced her endorsement of Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey for Alabama Attorney General Thursday.
“After walking through every parent’s worst nightmare, I know how important it is to have leaders in law enforcement who truly understand victims and who are willing to fight for them,” said Harris. “Pamela Casey has spent her career standing with victims and putting violent criminals behind bars. She is not a career politician — she is a prosecutor with real courtroom experience, and Alabama needs that experience as Attorney General.”
Approved by Alabama voters in 2022 following advocacy from Harris and others, Aniah’s Law allows Alabama judges to deny pre-trial bail for certain violent offenses including first-degree kidnapping, robbery, arson, rape and sodomy.
Casey indicated her support for Aniah’s Law and touted Harris’ endorsement in an official statement.
“No parent should ever endure the pain Angela Harris and her family have faced,” said Casey. “Through unimaginable tragedy, she has become an advocate for victims across Alabama. Her strength and courage have inspired so many people, including me. I am honored to have her endorsement and will continue fighting every day for victims, families, and the safety of our communities.”
Both Harris and Casey also expressed their support for Amendment 1, a ballot measure that would expand Aniah’s Law to apply to other crimes including solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder, and discharging a firearm, explosive or other weapon into an occupied building or vehicle.
“Too many dangerous offenders are being released back into our communities while awaiting trial,” said Harris. “Amendment 1 is about protecting families and ensuring more violent offenders are not back on the streets while their cases are pending. I encourage Alabamians to vote YES on Amendment 1.”
“As a prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the danger posed when violent offenders are released while awaiting trial,” said Casey. “Amendment 1 will help keep dangerous criminals off the streets and make our communities safer. I strongly encourage voters to support it on May 19.”
Casey will face former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell and Katherine Robertson in next week’s Republican primary.
“Victims deserve an Attorney General who has actually stood in a courtroom fighting for them,” said Casey. “That experience matters.”
