House Republicans call for investigation into Philadelphia DA over State Rep. Kevin Boyle’s arrest warrant

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Republican state lawmakers are calling for an investigation into how Philadelphia’s district attorney handled an investigation into State Representative Kevin Boyle.

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

Republicans say they are seeking an inquiry into how Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner handled an arrest warrant that was issued for state Rep. Boyle (D-Philadelphia) that the District Attorney’s office later withdrew after once alleging Boyle violated a protection from abuse order.

Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) noted the proximity of the warrant’s issuance to the primary election, which he says “raises serious questions” after the District Attorney’s office rescinded the warrant the day before April’s primary election, which Boyle lost to a Democrat challenger.

The District Attorney’s office said they had “newly confirmed information” and there was no probable cause against Boyle.

Cutler accused Krasner of “known partisanship” and acting in an “unprofessional manner.”

“A state investigation into how this highly publicized matter was handled is well in order,” Cutler said.

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

The Attorney General’s office says they’re reviewing the House Republican’s letter and Boyle did not respond to requests for comment.

Krasner responded by calling the call for an investigation political theatre and said many of the Republicans crying foul disputed the 2020 presidential election results.

“Regardless of these Republicans bogus efforts at distraction, we will continue to fight crime as they require us to fight stupid,” said Krasner.

This is not the first time House Republicans have focused in on Krasner. In 2022 the House voted to impeach him, saying his policies have led to a spike in Philadelphia’s crime. However, the State Senate has not taken up the case and Commonwealth Court mostly tossed it.

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

Video circulating on social media in February appeared to show Boyle intoxicated at a bar threatening to use his position to close the establishment.

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 f—— end this bar by the way,” Boyle said, later adding “this bar is done! Do you know who the f— I am? This bar is done tomorrow!”

Boyle, 44, also repeatedly called patrons and staff “actors” and members of the military, threatening to “prevent (their) promotion” in the video.

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

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