Philadelphia's progressive District Attorney, Larry Krasner, has become a figure of ridicule across the political spectrum after his attempt to use a popular piece of youth slang backfired spectacularly.
A Tweet That Missed the Mark
The 64-year-old left-wing prosecutor took to social media to issue a stark warning to federal immigration authorities. Krasner tweeted: 'To ICE and the National Guard: if you commit crimes in Philadelphia, we will charge you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.'
He accompanied the message with a stark black-and-white photo of himself, under which the acronym 'FAFO' was written. The term, short for 'f**k around, find out', is Gen Z slang for facing consequences for one's actions.
Bipartisan Backlash and Criticism
While some figures in government have used the phrase successfully, Krasner's post was widely seen as an awkward and out-of-touch attempt to appear tough. The reaction was swift and cutting from both the right and left.
The National Police Association replied pointedly: 'Unlike criminals in Philadelphia who get their charges dropped by the DA.' A conservative commentator added: 'Larry, you’re a joke (and your family is embarrassed over this pic of you trying to look tough).'
Criticism also came from his own side of the aisle. Writer Malcolm Harris questioned: 'What's the point of this grandstanding? You have a police unit that's ready to arrest federal law enforcement officers, on your order?'
Context: A United Front Against ICE
The tweet was not an isolated incident. Krasner had been standing alongside Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, who delivered a fiery speech condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her comments followed the fatal shooting of Minnesota woman Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent.
Bilal labelled ICE agents 'fake, wannabe law enforcement' and warned: 'If any [ICE agents] want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide, nobody will whisk you off.' She directly referenced former President Donald Trump, stating: 'The criminal in the White House would not be able to keep you from going to jail.'
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons hit back forcefully on Fox News. 'First off, any time you pit law enforcement officers against law enforcement officers, it makes nobody safe,' he stated, before issuing a challenge: 'I'm not one for big banter or bluster, but my message to the sheriff is: try it. Try [and] arrest my folks and see what happens.'
A History of Controversy for the DA
This is not the first time Krasner, who was overwhelmingly re-elected last year, has been at the centre of political storms. In 2022, he faced a potential impeachment by Pennsylvania House Republicans.
While not accused of breaking the law, Republicans argued for his removal citing his policies on prosecuting minor crimes, bail requests, staff oversight, and communication with crime victims. They also alleged he obstructed a House investigation into his office.
The episode underscores the intense national debate over immigration enforcement and the risks for politicians attempting to co-opt internet culture for political messaging.
