Arrest warrant issued for Democrat accused of violating estranged wife's restraining order

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Pennsylvania state lawmaker after police said he violated a protection from abuse order.

According to sources speaking to CBS News, Rep. Kevin Boyle (D) texted his estranged wife, which violated the order.

Boyle was first arrested in 2021 and charged with harassment and violating a protection order which was filed by his estranged wife.

Boyle has represented Pennsylvania's District 172 since 2011 and is currently running for reelection.

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As CBS News points out, Boyle is the younger brother of Rep. Brendan Boyle (D), who represents Pennsylvania's Second District. In a statement released on Wednesday, Brendan Boyle said his younger brother has struggled with mental illness, which has been a "nightmare" for their family.

"Like any family who has a beloved member with a serious health issue, we are doing the best we can to help him get better," the statement read.

He added that his brother "made a full recovery" after being treated for a "very serious mental health condition" in 2021 and had since shown a vast improvement.

"Tragically, several months ago his symptoms returned. In recent weeks his mental health has even further deteriorated. It's been painful to watch an intelligent, accomplished person with a big heart decline in such a precipitous way. Kevin's family, close friends, and several colleagues have done everything possible to get him to enter into treatment, but we have been frustrated by a system that gives little power to the loved ones of an adult with a serious mental health condition," the statement continued.

"Our sole focus now is for Kevin to get the medical treatment he needs and to make a full recovery like he did previously. Our hearts are with Kevin, as well as all families who are suffering because a loved one is afflicted with a mental health illness."