Fact Check: "Philadelphia's District Attorney Larry Krasner warned that anyone coming to Philadelphia to break the law will face arrest, invoking Martin Luther King Jr. as a guide for demonstrators."
What We Know
On June 14, 2023, Philadelphia's District Attorney Larry Krasner held a press conference where he addressed the upcoming "No Kings" demonstrations against President Donald Trump. During this event, Krasner explicitly warned that anyone coming to Philadelphia to break the law would face arrest. He emphasized that individuals engaging in nonviolent protest, akin to the principles of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., would be treated fairly. Krasner stated, “If you are doing what Martin Luther King would have done, you're going to be fine” (NBC Washington, CBS News).
The "No Kings" protests were organized as a response to perceived authoritarianism and were expected to attract large crowds across the United States, with Philadelphia being a focal point. Krasner's remarks were aimed at ensuring that the right to protest would be respected while also making it clear that illegal activities would not be tolerated (NBC Philadelphia).
Analysis
The claim that District Attorney Larry Krasner warned individuals against breaking the law during the protests is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Krasner's invocation of Martin Luther King Jr. serves to align the protests with a legacy of nonviolent resistance, which is a significant aspect of the civil rights movement. This framing not only seeks to encourage peaceful demonstration but also to delineate lawful protest from unlawful behavior.
The sources reporting on this event, including major news outlets like NBC and CBS, are generally reliable and have a history of accurate reporting. They provide direct quotes from Krasner, which adds to the credibility of the claim. However, it is important to note that while Krasner's message was aimed at promoting peaceful protest, the context of his warning was also influenced by recent civil unrest and heightened tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement (CBS News).
The warning issued by Krasner can be seen as a proactive measure to prevent violence and ensure public safety during a time when protests were anticipated to be large and potentially contentious. His approach reflects a commitment to upholding both the right to protest and the rule of law, which is a critical balance for public officials during such events.
Conclusion
The claim that Philadelphia's District Attorney Larry Krasner warned that anyone coming to Philadelphia to break the law would face arrest, while invoking Martin Luther King Jr. as a guide for demonstrators, is True. This assertion is supported by direct quotes from Krasner and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. His statements reflect a commitment to nonviolent protest while simultaneously enforcing the law, which is essential in the context of large public demonstrations.
Sources
- Cities brace for large crowds at anti-Trump 'No Kings' demonstrations across the US. NBC Washington
- Cities brace for crowds at nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations. CBS News
- Philly DA Larry Krasner talks anti-ICE protests, 'No Kings' rally. NBC Philadelphia
- President Trump preparing to send ICE tactical teams to Philadelphia. CBS News
- Breathing room for the right of assembly. SSRN
