Jun. 29, 2022
HARRISBURG – With bi-partisan support, the House of Representatives approved
House Resolution 216, officially creating the Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order to investigate the high crime rate in Philadelphia and the actions of District Attorney Larry Krasner.
In response, Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland), a co-sponsor of the measure, issued the following statement:
“I applaud members who supported this resolution to begin a thorough investigation into the crime tsunami that is crushing Philadelphia.
“For far too long, criminals have been allowed to run rampant in Pennsylvania’s largest city. Residents are afraid to leave their homes to go to the grocery store, to work, or even to the pharmacy. Parents fear for their children playing in their own neighborhoods. Businesses are crying for help because the rise in theft is making it impossible to keep their doors open.
“From the start of the year to June 5, nearly 1,000 people have been injured or killed with firearms, most of them illegally possessed, in the City of Brotherly Love. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, shooting incidents are up 9% and the number of people who were harmed in a shooting is up 7% over just last year and crime overall is up almost 25%.
“With the creation of the committee today, the Speaker of the House will now appoint five representatives – three Republicans and two Democrats – to it. The committee will be tasked with examining the rising crime rates and Krasner’s failure to enforce laws.
“The outcome of this investigation could lead to many recommendations such as legislative solutions, policy changes or additional funding streams. One outcome could be a request to start impeachment proceedings against Krasner.”
Representative Torren Ecker
193rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives