New Law Diverts Authority from Philadelphia's Progressive Prosecutor to Special Prosecutor for Transit Crimes

Republican lawmakers argue the move is necessary for prosecuting unattended crimes, while District Attorney Larry Krasner calls it an 'attack on democracy'.

New law diverts authority from Philadelphia's progressive prosecutor to a new special prosecutor role, with the aim to prosecute crimes on the city's public transit system, SEPTA.
Republican lawmakers argue the legislation is necessary to prosecute crimes they say aren't pursued, while Democratic Philadelphia district attorney, Larry Krasner, calls it an 'attack on democracy'.
The bill's primary sponsor, Sen. Wayne Langerholc, a Republican, insists the special prosecutor would pick and choose what crimes to pursue, and that the district attorney's office would still handle the rest.
Krasner claims the new legislation is unconstitutional and disenfranchises voters, and is awaiting a decision from the attorney general's office before challenging the law in court.
The law is active through 2026, which coincides with the end of Krasner's current term.