16 February 2023- Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that he will not issue any execution warrants during his term and called on the General Assembly to join nearly half of the country in abolishing the death penalty for good. Governor Shapiro was joined by elected leaders – including Sen. Vince Hughes, Sen. Nikil Saval, and Rep. Rick Krajewski – community activists, and criminal justice advocates for the announcement.
This comes after a warrant of execution was signed for convicted cop killer Rahmael Holt by Acting Secretary of Corrections Laurel Harry earlier this month. An execution has not been carried out by Pennsylvania since 1999.
