Berks County News

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) joined Chairman Jim Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee for a Field Hearing in Philadelphia to address rising crime. The hearing, "Victims of Violent Crime in Philadelphia," examined how District Attorney Larry Krasner's pro-criminal policies have emboldened criminals at the expense of victims and city residents.

Philadelphia’s anti-law enforcement policies, which include defunding the Philadelphia Police Department by $66 million in recent years, coupled with District Attorney Larry Krasner withdrawing and dismissing 66% of violent crime cases in 2022, have hardened criminals and led to a rise in violent crime. For example, homicides have increased by 30.15% since Krasner took office.

Congressman Meuser expressed concern over the impact of these policies, stating, “Perhaps the greatest responsibility of a government is to assure the safety and well-being of its citizens. But far too often, woke District Attorneys, such as Larry Krasner, fail to pursue charges against criminals wreaking havoc in our communities." He also emphasized, "Larry Krasner’s unwillingness to prosecute arrests has emboldened criminals in Philadelphia as they now believe their illegal, violent actions will go unpunished."

Meuser highlighted the need for a change in approach, adding, "We have seen the devastating result of this soft-on-crime, anti-police mentality as crime in Philadelphia has skyrocketed since Krasner was elected. We cannot allow George Soros-backed ideologues to defund our police departments and release criminals back onto our streets." The congressman called for advocating tough-on-crime policies to restore law and order in communities, stating, "We must correct course, Back the Blue, and advocate for tough-on-crime policies that will restore law and order in our communities."

In response to the concerning trends, Congressman Meuser recently introduced legislation to address the issue. H.R. 6999, the Holding Prosecutors Accountable Act, aims to curb ideological prosecutors’ ability to allow violent criminals to go unpunished. The legislation seeks to make prosecutors’ offices that fail to prosecute at least 67% of arrests for violent crimes ineligible for Department of Justice Byrne Grants, a significant federal justice funding source.

Additionally, the legislation would require prosecutors’ offices serving larger jurisdictions to publish their prosecution rate data annually, ensuring transparency and accountability. Meuser emphasized the importance of such measures, stating, "Most jurisdictions do not make such data public, and the American people have the right to know how many criminals their local, often elected, prosecutor is releasing without pursuing charges."

The hearing also featured witnesses like Nick Gerace, Terri O'Connor, Pauline Fitzgerald, Joel Fitzgerald, and George Bochetto, who shared insights on the impact of rising crime in Philadelphia.

Congressman Meuser's efforts to address the challenges posed by rising crime and ideological prosecutorial practices reflect a commitment to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law.