Philadelphia Police Commissioner criticizes District Attorney Krasner for comments on alleged cop killer’s previous acquittal, calling them unacceptable.

In a press conference held on Thursday, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel expressed strong disapproval of remarks made by District Attorney Larry Krasner regarding the investigation into the murder case against Eric Lewis, who is now charged with the fatal shooting of Officer Shane Seiber. Bethel described Krasner’s actions as “absolutely unacceptable,” emphasizing that attributing blame to the police for the failure to secure a conviction against Lewis was wholly inappropriate, especially in the wake of a police officer’s death.

During the conference, Bethel stood alongside U.S. Attorney David Metcalf and other federal law enforcement officials, responding to Krasner’s recent statements, which criticized the conduct of a police officer and a detective involved in Lewis’s first murder trial. In a video released last week, Krasner suggested that the police had acted in a manner that could be deemed “arguably criminal,” allowing Lewis to remain free and ultimately leading to the tragic death of Officer Seiber, age 40, as well as the serious injury of Officer Hector Rodriguez, age 33, in a separate incident.

The comments have ignited tensions between the district attorney’s office and the Philadelphia Police Department, with Bethel asserting that this was not the right moment to engage in such accusations. He noted the grief being experienced by the community and law enforcement, urging for solidarity rather than distractions stemming from blame. Bethel refrained from explicitly naming Krasner in his criticisms, yet it was evident that his remarks were directed at the DA, who claimed his office had made every effort to ensure Lewis’s conviction.

The exchange has underscored an evolving relationship between the police and Krasner’s office, traditionally perceived as collaborative. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 also issued a statement condemning Krasner for what they characterized as misrepresentation of facts and deflection of responsibility onto police officers.

Bethel acknowledged that there was significant scrutiny warranted for the earlier murder case against Lewis, which involved the shooting of Christopher Williams in 2019. Lewis was previously acquitted, a decision that Krasner attributes to alleged misconduct and investigative failures on the part of the police. While acknowledging the need for accountability, Bethel emphasized that public disputes during a time of mourning were both inappropriate and harmful.

At the conclusion of the press conference, Bethel extended apologies to Metcalf for allowing his frustrations to overshadow the meeting’s purpose, affirming his commitment to working collaboratively with federal partners to ensure justice for Officer Seiber and the broader community. The ongoing developments in this case continue to resonate throughout Philadelphia, presenting new challenges for local law enforcement as they navigate the complexities of public safety and community trust.

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