(Headline USA) Pennsylvania Republicans unveiled articles of impeachment against Philadelphia’s leftist district attorney, Larry Krasner, this week, arguing that his “willful refusal” to “enforce existing laws” has led to “unchecked violent crime.”
The resolution, introduced by state Reps. Josh Kail, Torren Ecker and Tim O’Neal, pointed to a recent mass shooting in the city’s downtown South Street neighborhood as a reason lawmakers need to “take immediate action” against Krasner.
“Unfortunately for the people of Philadelphia, and the people of Pennsylvania at large, the problem of violent crime in Philadelphia has reached a point that demands this action be taken,” Ecker said in a statement.
“Taking this step today and undertaking this process continues what we have been doing and what we need to do to combat violence and crime here in Pennsylvania — ensure the laws already on the books are enforced.”
The Republicans noted that they believe impeachment is a serious process that should be used sparingly, but argued that in Krasner’s case it is necessary.
“We did not arrive at this decision lightly or easily. In fact, we are taking this action after we have taken significant steps to pass legislation that addresses violent crime in Philadelphia by ensuring our current laws are enforced,” Kail said.
O’Neal predicted the articles will also draw support from Democrats.
Calls for Krasner’s impeachment began in January, with the top Republican in Pennsylvania’s state Senate urging state representatives to introduce articles against him.
“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,” state Senate Pro Tempore Jake Corman said.
At the time, Krasner dismissed the move as a political “stunt.” He has not yet commented on the articles that were introduced this week.
