News/Commentary

Pennsylvania firefighter upset over bullet not hitting Trump ‘square’ resigns over social media post

July 15, 2024 | | Print Article

A volunteer firefighter in Pennsylvania has resigned amid the backlash and even a bomb threat following comments about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

Firefighter Tony Bendele resigned from the Americus Hose Company in Sunbury after a social media message he posted went viral. He took to Facebook to complain about threats he and his family had allegedly received after he was buried under an avalanche of anger for reportedly writing, “Too bad it didn’t hit him square,” referring to the attack on Trump in Butler County on Saturday during a rally.

While a bullet pierced the former president’s ear and miraculously did not enter his head where it was likely intended, rally-goers also became victims with one man, a local firefighter, being hailed as a hero for sacrificing his life as he shielded his family from the bullets.

Bendele’s comment in light of firefighter Corey Comperatore’s tragic death was even more despicable to social media users who rained down messages to Americus and the city.

Bob Hare, the general manager of the fire department, along with Americus President Jerome Alex said Bendele resigned Monday, the same day the Americus was reportedly closed down due to a bomb threat.

According to screenshots of Bendele’s post, he wrote that he was resigning, adding, “I can’t do this.”

“This is so beyond anything that should ever be happening,” he wrote, saying he and his family and friends have faced threats.

“I have never felt so unsafe in my life. This is so far past anything that should ever be condoned,” continued the ex-firefighter who thought his own comments about the attempted assassination of a former president should be condoned.

“If you condone what’s currently occurring, you should take a long hard look in the mirror as well,” Bendele continued, conceding that he made a “mistake” with his “simple statement.”

“I own that. But to threaten those around me with harm that had no part in this, I can’t do it,” he wrote.

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“I’m sorry to everyone who is currently affected by this. I’m ashamed that I’ve brought this to you,” he concluded. “I’ve already lost several people extremely close to me. I expect to lose more.”

Americus President Jerome Alex said Monday that the fire company “does not condone violence in any way,” adding that “Mr. Bendele is no longer part of the fire company.”

“We are all saddened to learn of the death of a fellow brother whose heroics (sic) action to protect his family by shielding them shows who he was,” Alex said, referring to Comperatore.

But even Bendele’s resignation post did nothing to put out the fire he ignited.

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Frieda Powers
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