Federal Judge Flags Possible Crimes by Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner, Referral to U.S. Prosecutors
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond said Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner may have committed crimes and sent the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for investigation, creating legal and political uncertainty.
In a memorandum, U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond indicated that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner may have engaged in criminal conduct, potentially conspiracy or obstruction of justice, while handling a federal petition to overturn Dennis Johnson’s murder conviction. Diamond forwarded the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, urging an investigation into Krasner and his former supervisor Matthew Stiegler.
Krasner has rejected the allegations, intends to appeal, and says the judge improperly disqualified him from the underlying case. The development adds to a series of challenges for Krasner, who has faced impeachment by the state House, criticism from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and disciplinary actions against deputies. While Republican opponents demand his resignation, most city Democrats have remained silent, and some progressive activists view the referral as a politically motivated attack. The investigation could take months or longer, and any criminal or disciplinary outcome may affect Krasner’s ability to finish his term ending in 2030.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 4h later
Why it matters
A sitting district attorney could face federal charges, which may reshape Philadelphia’s criminal-justice leadership.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTBoth camps report that a federal judge referred DA Larry Krasner to the Justice Department and disqualified him from the case, but left-leaning coverage presents this as a procedural development, while right-leaning coverage frames it as evidence of Krasner’s alleged corruption and ties to George Soros.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage reports that a federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the DOJ for investigation into possible legal violations and disqualified him from the murder-conviction case.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the referral as proof of Krasner’s alleged wrongdoing, emphasizing his Soros funding, “woke” agenda, and alleged pro-criminal policies.
The left emphasises
- a federal judge referred... to the U.S. Department of Justice for investigation
- the judge disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case
- possible perjury and obstruction of justice
The right emphasises
- Soros-backed... DA
- possible criminal wrongdoing, including false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice and conspiracy
- pro-criminal, cop and victim-hating policies and a spike in city crime
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