Pennsylvania State Police on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Democratic State Rep. Kevin Boyle, according to the Daily Caller. Boyle’s brother, Brendan, is a U.S. Congressman.
Attempts to locate Boyle are being made after the eight-term Democrat allegedly twice violated a restraining order against his ex-wife, one related to a 2021 arrest stemming from harassment in violation of a protection order and more recently on a second occasion. CBS News first reported on Boyle’s outstanding warrant.
Boyle, 44, has represented Pennsylvania’s District 172 since 2011, which covers parts of Montgomery County and Northeast Philadelphia.
A spokesperson for Rep. Boyle’s office did not respond to a request for comment from CBS.
Two years ago, the lawmaker wrote an open letter to constituents in which he claimed a recent hospitalization at a mental health facility helped save his life. The stability was not long-lasting, however; two months ago, Boyle was captured in a viral video allegedly threatening staff Gaul & Co. Malt House on Huntingdon Pike in Rockledge, Montgomery County. Police responding to the incident reported that Boyle may have been drunk or under the influence of another substance at the time. He was asked multiple times to leave but refused until police intervened but was never charged with a crime, though the bar banned him for life.
“I can f****** end this bar, by the way. I’ll f****** end this bar, by the way,” Boyle can be heard saying in a video capturing the exchange. “This bar is so f****** done, by the way.”
“Can’t wait to put this on your Twitter page,” replied an employee who filmed the interaction.
WATCH:
BREAKING NEWS:
Democratic PA State House Rep Kevin Boyle is seen on video in DRUNK TIRADE at a bar and threatens to use his political power to SHUT DOWN THE LOCAL BUSINESS
Kevin also goes on to accuse the bartenders of being military agents
This allegedly occurred EARLIER… pic.twitter.com/1eGiNUwBx9
— PhillyCrimeUpdate (@PhillyCrimeUpd) February 9, 2024
Pennsylvania Democrats, who hold a slim majority in the House of Representatives, are bitterly divided about how to handle Boyle’s upcoming election. The state Democratic Party has thrown its support behind challenger Sean Dougherty, who has raised $72,000 with help from the PA House Democratic Campaign Committee, according to campaign finance records.
“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,” House Majority Leader Matt Bradford said in a statement to CBS News Philadelphia.
Leader Bradford previously urged caution about rushing to judgment against Boyle during his bar encounter.
“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,” the top Democrat told media outlets in 2022, according to PhillyCrimeUpdate on X.
Still not seeing any comment from the Boyle camp. This occurred several days ago and you’d think they would have prepared a response. Radio silence so far.
Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders released the following statement on Friday afternoon.
“We are aware of a video…
— PhillyCrimeUpdate (@PhillyCrimeUpd) February 9, 2024
Boyle is the brother of Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle, who represents Pennsylvania’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives.