Judge Refers Philly DA Krasner
A federal judge asked DOJ to consider charges against Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner.
What happened
U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and assistant district attorney Matthew Stiegler to federal prosecutors for possible criminal investigation. Diamond also barred both men from further work on the case. The fight stems from Dennis Johnson’s 2009 second-degree murder conviction for killing Kenyatta Smith, which Johnson sought to overturn through federal habeas relief, a federal challenge to state custody. Krasner’s office first agreed Johnson deserved relief, then sought to withdraw that concession after prosecutors said the filing misstated facts and lacked proper record review. Krasner said he strongly disagreed, would appeal when allowed, and was limited in public response. The investigation request is now pending.
From the left
Left-leaning outlets framed the referral as a serious misconduct case, stressing the judge’s possible criminal findings over partisan identity. CNN cast the office dispute as an unusual internal break, with senior prosecutors accusing Krasner’s team of protecting itself. CNN also highlighted Krasner as a former civil rights attorney and prominent progressive prosecutor.
From the right
Right-leaning outlets framed the referral as a criminal scandal tied to a broader critique of progressive prosecutors. The Daily Wire cited Judge Diamond’s words that Krasner may have committed perjury, obstructed justice, and joined a conspiracy. The Federalist emphasized Krasner as a Soros-backed, “spectacularly woke” prosecutor. Daily Caller lingered on Diamond’s claim that staff may have faced pressure to scapegoat a subordinate.
Headlines
how each side wrote itLeft1
Right6
Soros-Backed Philadelphia DA Referred For Criminal Investigation
Philly DA Larry Krasner, Who Threatened to Jail ICE Agents, Slapped With DOJ Criminal Referral
Philly DA Larry Krasner referred to DOJ for criminal probe after seeking to overturn 2009 murder conviction: federal judge
Federal Judge Disqualifies, Accuses Top Soros DA Of Possibly Committing A Crime For Trying To Free Murderer
Whoa: Federal Judge Removes Krasner From Case, Asks DoJ to Investigate Perjury, Obstruction