Republicans in the House of Representatives are calling for an investigation into the Philadelphia district attorney’s arrest warrant against a state representative

Kaylee Lindenmuth and George Stockburger

19 minutes ago

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Republican lawmakers are calling for an investigation into how the Philadelphia District Attorney handled an investigation into State Representative Kevin Boyle.

House Republicans announced their call Tuesday, saying they had sent a letter to Attorney General Michelle Henry asking for the investigation.

Republicans say they are seeking an investigation into how Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner handled an arrest warrant issued against state Rep. Boyle (D-Philadelphia), which the district attorney’s office later withdrew after they once had claimed Boyle had breached a protection from abuse order.

Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) noted that the issuance of the warrant would come close to the primary election, which he said “raises serious questions” after the district attorney’s office issued the warrant the day before the April primary Boyle lost to a Democrat who had canceled challengers.

The district attorney’s office said Monday that it had “newly confirmed information” and that there was no probable cause against Boyle.

Cutler accused Krasner of “known partiality” and “unprofessional behavior.”

“A government investigation into how this high-profile matter was handled is warranted,” Cutler said.

Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) called the matter “symptomatic of an office that has repeatedly abused its power by not just flouting the rules, but breaking them.”

This isn’t the first time House Republicans have focused on Krasner. In 2022, the House of Representatives voted to impeach him, saying his policies had led to an increase in crime in Philadelphia. However, the state Senate did not take up the case and the Commonwealth Court largely dismissed it.

The arrest warrant was part of a whirlwind of issues surrounding Boyle, who has struggled with mental health issues for years.

A video shared on social media in February showed Boyle apparently drunk in a bar and threatening to use his position to get the bar closed.

The more than three-minute video, which has been viewed tens of thousands of times on X, shows Boyle repeatedly refusing to leave the bar.

“I can finish this bar by the way,” Boyle said, later adding: “This bar is finished! Do you know who the fuck I am? This bar will be ready tomorrow!”

Boyle, 44, also repeatedly referred to patrons and staff in the video as “actors” and military personnel and threatened to “prevent their promotion.”

State lawmakers have said they hope Boyle finds the help he needs. Boyle voted by proxy in the House last month and was denied security access to the State Capitol. His term ends at the end of this year after serving in the State House since 2011.