Columbia Standard

The Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, and the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association have come out in opposition to the nomination of Adeel Abdullah Mangi to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. These organizations collectively represent over 40,000 police officers in Pennsylvania.

In a letter dated March 27, 2024, the police groups expressed their concerns regarding Mangi's ties to organizations with controversial affiliations. They specifically cited Mangi's involvement with the Alliance of Families for Justice, a group that has praised Mumia Abu-Jamal, the individual convicted of killing Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner. The letter stated, "It’s an affront to all Pennsylvania law enforcement officers... that Mr. Mangi would serve on an organization that describes a person who murdered a police officer as a ‘freedom fighter’."

The Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge, PA State Troopers Association, and Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 highlighted the significance of Officer Faulkner's sacrifice, emphasizing the duty of police officers to serve and protect their communities. They expressed their concerns that Mangi's affiliation with the Alliance of Families for Justice could set a dangerous precedent by allowing supporters of cop killings to rise to positions of influence within the judicial system.

Furthermore, Mangi's nomination is also facing opposition from Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen, and Joe Manchin, as well as several other law enforcement groups, Jewish organizations, Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and ten Republican Members of Congress representing constituents in the Third Circuit.

Mangi's connections to organizations with controversial backgrounds, including his role as an Advisory Board Member of the Alliance of Families for Justice, have raised red flags among critics. The Alliance has ties to individuals with criminal pasts, such as Kathy Boudin, who was involved in a robbery that resulted in the death of two police officers. The organization's actions, including sponsoring a fellowship in Boudin's name, have sparked concerns about its values and principles.

Additionally, Mangi's involvement with the Rutgers Center for Security, Race and Rights Advisory Board, which has been linked to individuals with connections to terrorism, has further fueled the opposition to his nomination. The center's promotion of anti-police rhetoric and controversial events has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and law enforcement groups alike.

The controversy surrounding Adeel Mangi's nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in judicial appointments, particularly in cases where nominees have affiliations that raise questions about their judgment and values.