Philadelphia DA Krasner Sues to Block Law Appointing Special Transit Prosecutor

Krasner argues the law, signed by Governor Shapiro, is unconstitutional and discriminates against Philadelphia and its voters.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the implementation of a new law that would appoint a special prosecutor for crimes on the city's public transit system, a move he deems unconstitutional.
The law, signed last month by Governor Josh Shapiro, was a Republican-led effort to dilute Krasner's authority, who has been criticized by GOP lawmakers for not adequately prosecuting crime.
The lawsuit alleges that the special prosecutor would take 89% of the city's land area out of the district attorney's jurisdiction and discriminates against Philadelphia and its voters compared to other counties served by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
Attorney General Michelle Henry's office has been directed to appoint the new special prosecutor within 30 days, a deadline that is fast approaching.
Krasner, who was elected in 2017 on a wave of progressive victories, has previously taken lawmakers to court over what he perceives as an overstepping of their authority due to political differences.