Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, known for his progressive stance, has declared his intention to pursue state charges against individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot who were pardoned by former President Donald Trump.
This announcement comes in the wake of Trump's decision to issue pardons on his first day back in office, extending clemency to over 1,500 individuals connected to the events of that day.
In a conversation with CNN, Krasner expressed skepticism about the comprehensiveness of the federal charges, stating, "To the extent the federal charges encompass everything were talking about, then this argument probably fails. But I am very doubtful that it encompasses everything. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the rule of law, adding, Those of us who actually believe in the rule of law intend to preserve the values, traditions, laws, and Constitution of the United States. According to The Post Millennial, Krasner is exploring whether certain actions, such as assaults on law enforcement or conspiracies involving groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, might not be fully covered by federal charges. He is also considering whether the use of technology to commit crimes, violations of state conspiracy laws, or breaches of state election statutes could warrant state-level prosecution.
Among those potentially targeted by Krasner's investigation are Zach Rehl, a former Proud Boys leader, and others such as Ryan Samsel, Phillip and David Walker, Brian Healion, Isaiah Giddings, and Freedom Vy. Rehl, who was released from prison on Tuesday after serving part of a 15-year sentence, was one of 14 individuals whose sentences were commuted by Trump.
David Gelman, a former federal prosecutor and defense attorney, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Krasner's efforts, telling the Washington Examiner, The fact that there is no state action that could possibly take place here makes this a very steep climb. Presidential pardons, as reported by the outlet, apply to federal offenses but do not extend to state crimes. Krasner may also face challenges related to constitutional protections against double jeopardy, as seen in previous rulings during Trump's first term when state courts were barred from prosecuting Paul Manafort.
Gelman criticized Krasner's investigation as "strictly a political ploy," arguing that the district attorney is neglecting more urgent issues such as Philadelphia's high crime rates. "Instead of addressing pressing issues like violent crime, hes prioritizing actions against individuals pardoned years ago," Gelman remarked. He further noted that Krasner's "soft-on-crime" reputation has alienated him even from fellow Philadelphia Democrats, who perceive him as disconnected from the needs of Pennsylvania's residents.
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