HARRISBURG – Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) today called on leaders in the House of Representatives to begin impeachment proceedings against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to stem the tide of violence in the City of Philadelphia.
In a letter to House Speaker Bryan Cutler, House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff and House Judiciary Committee Chair Rob Kauffman, Corman cited the fact that just 21 percent of shootings in the City have led to criminal charges since 2015. Of that small percentage, less than one-tenth of the cases have resulted in a conviction.
“The recent spike in violent crime is a direct result of DA Krasner’s failed policies and his refusal to perform the duties of his office to hold criminals accountable for the crimes that they commit,” Corman said in the letter. “His decision to allow more and more criminals to walk free through plea deals and dismissed charges has created an environment in which Philadelphians are no longer safe in their own homes and communities.”
Corman also noted that members of the General Assembly have been impacted by the recent crime wave in Philadelphia. Senator Sharif Street’s cousin was murdered last year and one of his offices was also struck by bullets during another shooting last month. In addition, Representative Mary Gay Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint in December.
In the midst of these violent incidents, Krasner insisted at a press conference that Philadelphia did not have a crisis of lawlessness.
“As elected officials of this Commonwealth, we cannot turn a blind eye to DA Krasner’s clear dereliction of duty,” Corman said. “Meaningful action must be taken to restore a sense of security to the communities and families that have been negatively impacted by his negligence.”
CONTACT: Jason Thompson