Arrest Warrant Issued for Democrat Philly Lawmaker Ahead of Pennsylvania Primary

An arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday for a state lawmaker in Pennsylvania. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, Democrat legislator Kevin Boyle is accused of violating a protective order. Boyle has served as a representative of parts of Northeast Philadelphia and Montgomery County in the state House since 2011 and is seeking re-election to his eighth term.

Sources indicated to CBS News that the warrant is related to contact that Boyle made via text message with his estranged wife in violation of the protection from abuse order. This isn't the first time Boyle has faced allegations of violating a protective order. In 2021, he was arrested and charged with harassment and violating a protective order after showing up at his ex-wife's house. Later, the charges against Boyle were dropped, and he stated in a 2022 letter to constituents that receiving mental health treatment at a facility helped to save his life.

In February, Boyle indicated that he was again "seeking help" after a video of him appearing to be intoxicated and disorderly in a bar that went viral on social media. In the video, Boyle is heard refusing to leave the Gaul & Co. Malt House located on Huntingdon Pike in Rockledge, Montgomery County. Boyle is also alleged to have made threats, saying that he will use his position in government to close the business. Boyle was not charged in connection with the viral incident, and police informed him that he was banned from the establishment.

In response, Pennsylvania House Democratic leaders released a statement:

We are aware of a video circulating on social media. It is very troubling. Rep. Boyle has been open about his personal challenges. We are encouraged that our colleague and dear friend is seeking help. Our commitment to delivering mental health services does not stop at the Capitol Steps. One of the main reasons we advocate so strongly for mental health access is the reality that challenges can and do happen to anyone, and seeking treatment should be encouraged, not stigmatized.

Subsequently, the House stripped Boyle of his committee chairmanship and Capitol access.

On Tuesday, Democrat House Majority Leader Matt Bradford released a statement saying:

I love Kevin, but I have serious concerns about his mental health and it breaks my heart to see him this way. I hope he gets the help he needs.

A Republican challenger for District 172, Aizaz Gill, wrote on X, previously Twitter:

It's a sad day for our community. As our current State Representative continues to deal with his personal issues - as he should - we are missing the voice, help, and representation we deserve.

It’s a sad day for our community. As our current State Representative continues to deal with his personal issues - as he should - we are missing the voice, help, and representation we deserve. https://t.co/tZysomtO75
— Aizaz Gill (@AizazGill) April 16, 2024

The warrant and pending arrest could potentially disrupt the power balance in Harrisburg, with Democrats currently holding a narrow 102-100 majority in the Pennsylvania House, with one seat vacant after a Republican legislator resigned in February. That seat will be filled in a special election in the upcoming Pennsylvania primary on April 23.

Tuesday's primary could be significantly influenced by the events surrounding Boyle, with the Democratic state party already backing his opponent, Sean Dougherty. Additionally, Dougherty has received $72,000 from the PA House Democratic Campaign Committee.

Boyle is the sibling of Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle, who serves as the representative for Pennsylvania's Second District in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to 6ABC News, Boyle is expected to turn himself in to police custody.