Kulik calls for resignation of district justice, demands full investigation in wake of Pa. State Police enforcement officer’s murder

Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik    October 23, 2024 | 12:52 PM

CORAOPOLIS, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, today called for the resignation of Magisterial District Justice Xander Orenstein and a full investigation by the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court in the wake of the killing of a Pennsylvania State Police liquor enforcement officer by a suspect released without bail by Orenstein in the summer of 2023.

“Foremost, we must pause to mourn the tragic and untimely loss of Officer Brallier and keep his loved ones in our prayers,” Kulik said. “We owe it to Brallier to get to the bottom of the chain of events that led to the officer’s murder and a violent criminal on the streets. Orenstein had already been removed from handling criminal arraignments by the Allegheny County courts over reluctance to require cash bail for violent criminal cases, but this tragedy requires more scrutiny and accountability.

“First, I am calling upon Orenstein to do the right thing and resign from service. Second, I am calling on the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court and the Judicial Conduct Board to open an investigation and leave no stone unturned to get the facts the people deserve.  Even if Orenstein resigns the investigation must still take place, because we must discover how the system meant to protect the people was so badly broken.

“This case requires in-depth examination to ensure our courts are protecting the people and delivering justice fairly.”

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