Impeachment For Philly DA Larry Krasner Moves Ahead In House

PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania House Republicans voted in a committee Tuesday to advance the impeachment efforts against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.

The House Judiciary Committee voted 14 to 8 Tuesday on House Resolution 240, which seeks to remove Krasner from office, alleging a dereliction of duties.

With Tuesday's vote, the resolution will head to the House floor for a vote Wednesday, most likely.

If that advances, the Senate will hold a trial on impeachment charges.

Two articles of impeachment have been filed against Krasner.

Two thirds of the Senate must approve the charges for Krasner to be removed.

Two articles were filed by prime sponsor Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia).

"Larry Krasner is the top law enforcement official who is supposed to be representing the interests of our Commonwealth in Philadelphia criminal cases," White said. "His dereliction of duty and despicable behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

One alleges Krasner "has been derelict in his obligations to the victims of crime, the people of the City of Philadelphia and of this Commonwealth."

The article cites the decision in the case Larsen v. Senate of Pennsylvania by Commonwealth Court, which established the definition of misbehavior in office.

The second article accuses Krasner of obstructing the committee.

"District Attorney Krasner has, at every turn, obstructed the efforts of the House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order," the article reads. "He has consistently raised specious claims without a good faith basis in law or fact. Even after the House of Representatives resolved to hold him in contempt, District Attorney Krasner's efforts to comply with subpoenas issued by the select committee chair fall far short of what could be described as a reasonable good faith effort."

The committee says Kranser is guilty of impeachable offenses that warrant his removal from office.

"We must do something to free the people of Philadelphia from the crime and violence crisis that has destroyed lives and property and made Philadelphians prisoners of fear," said Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin). "We will do the right thing where Larry Krasner has not. We are here to do everything we can to effectuate positive change in the city of Philadelphia in the hopes that someone will take over that is actually interested in putting violent criminals where they belong: In Jail."

With the articles filed, the Speaker of the House will appoint three members, two from the majority party and one from the minority party to exhibit the same to the Senate, and on behalf of the House of Representatives to manage the trial.

See the full articles of impeachment here.