A Philadelphia journalist who weeks ago disputed reports that crime was rising in the city was shot dead early Monday.
“Look, it’s that lawless land of liberals in Philly where shootings are…dropping to levels not seen in years. We are dependent on national trends, for better or worse. It’s unfair to blame local cops for rising crime, inaccurate to credit with drops,” Josh Kruger had posted on X in July.
Kruger, 39, was shot seven times, according to The New York Times.
Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said police believe Kruger was shot at the base of the stairs inside his home at about 1:30 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. After the shooter left, Kruger went outside to summon help.
No arrests have been made, Vanore said, noting there were no signs of forced entry.
“Either the door was open, or the offender knew how to get the door open,” he said. “We just don’t know yet.”
The Inquirer wrote that unnamed sources believe the shooting was either the result of a domestic dispute or drug-related. It reported that text messages from a former partner had been found that were classified as “troubling.”
Kruger’s website boasted that his experience with “homelessness, addiction, H.I.V., poverty, and trauma,” infused his work, which took a liberal bent.
Never go to Philadelphia https://t.co/GhTlP16G6i
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 2, 2023
Journalist Andy Ngo noted Kruger’s stance on crime in the city and his support for Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner in his post about the killing.
“Breaking: Leftist journalist and activist Josh Kruger @JoshKrugerPHL has been tragically shot dead at his Philadelphia home. Kruger has long downplayed gun violence in his city and publicly chastised others who spoke about it,” Ego wrote, posting tweet from Kruger.
Breaking: Leftist journalist and activist Josh Kruger @JoshKrugerPHL has been tragically shot dead at his Philadelphia home. Kruger has long downplayed gun violence in his city and publicly chastised others who spoke about it. pic.twitter.com/pcl5c4Z1Y8
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) October 2, 2023
After claiming that Philadelphia was safe under a Soros DA, Josh Kruger was murdered in his home.
Rest in peace. People need to wake up. https://t.co/q8o9PQdnQq pic.twitter.com/zUZtyTP6JK
— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) October 2, 2023
Author Ryan James Girdusky posted similar thoughts on X.
“After claiming that Philadelphia was safe under a Soros DA, Josh Kruger was murdered in his home. Rest in peace. People need to wake up,” he posted.
The posts referred to Krasner, who was elected Philadelphia district attorney in 2017 after George Soros put about $1.7 million into his campaign, according to WHYY-TV.
Kruger had recently posted about threats that included vandalism at his home in late August, according to WPVI-TV.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.
