Impeachment Of NJ Attorney General Platkin Sought By NJGOP

TRENTON, NJ — Assembly Republican leaders on Thursday introduced articles of impeachment against New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, claiming he overstepped his authority and failed to perform the duties of his office.

The resolution (AR179) was introduced by Assembly Republican Leaders John DiMaio, Antwan McClellan and Christopher DePhillips, GOP lawmakers said in a news release.

The resolution outlines how Platkin, a Democrat, allegedly "weaponized his position" by directing the Division of Criminal Justice and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability to conduct investigations that ultimately hindered the work of the state police.

As a result, GOP lawmakers claim that state troopers have blamed ongoing issues at the OPIA for stalling their careers.

"OPIA employees are failing to process administrative cases involving state troopers in a timely manner, which affects their right to due process, disciplinary actions and promotions," GOP lawmakers said.

The articles of impeachment also claim Platkin acted unlawfully by taking over the Paterson Police Department, failed to uphold state statutes in court, and mishandled legal responses to the pandemic and a rape accusation involving Gov. Murphy’s campaign staffers.

The resolution also argues that Platkin targeted pro-life pregnancy centers because of his alliance with Planned Parenthood.

“Governor Murphy’s AG has been pursuing high-profile cases to capture headlines, not criminals. It is evident his investigations lack merit by the number of charges that are ultimately dismissed by the courts,” Assemblyman Antwan McClellan (R-Cape May) said in a news release.

In a statement sent to Patch, Platkin called the resolution a "partisan political attack."

"I am focused on the same priorities I have had since day one: driving gun violence down to historically low levels, holding social media corporations accountable for the harms they’re inflicting on our children, and protecting our residents — including by standing up to threats from Washington and fighting corruption, no matter who it offends," Platkin said.

Platkin was appointed by Gov. Murphy to serve as the state’s 62nd Attorney General in February 2022. He was confirmed to the role in September 2022.