Injured No Kings protest participant calls on Westmoreland commissioners to condemn political violence

A Smithton woman injured during an altercation at Saturday’s No Kings protest in Greensburg is calling on the Westmoreland County commissioners to formally condemn political violence.

Karen Primm, 70, said she sustained a gash to right arm when she was struck by pole of a flag waved by an apparent supporter of President Donald Trump.

Her injuries required medical care.

Primm was among the estimated 3,000 people who participated in the protest in front of the Westmoreland County Courthouse. The event, along with similar rallies in Pittsburgh, was among hundreds conducted throughout the country. About 7 million people attended, according to estimates.

Protests to oppose the Trump administration and its policies have been periodically held at the courthouse throughout the spring and summer, including one in June that an estimated 1,000 people attended, including a handful of Trump supporters.

Police said no violent incidents were reported at those prior gatherings.

Primm and husband, Dave, said they recognized the man they accused in the attack as attending prior rallies. They said that as they stood near the clock at the corner of Main and Otterman streets, the man confronted protesters, shouted support for Trump and waved an American flag before striking a passing vehicle with the flag’s wooden pole.

Dave Primm said he and others attempted to de-escalate the situation but the unidentified man pushed protesters and again swung the flag pole, striking Karen Primm in the arm and leaving a bloody gash that required medical treatment.

Investigators collected video surveillance from the rally and criminal charges are pending against a male suspect who was believed to be a counter protester, said Greensburg Chief Charles Irvin.

Charges had not been filed as of Tuesday.

Primm said it’s time for county leaders to take an official stand against political violence.

“No one should ever be threatened, attacked or intimidated for expressing their views or participating in peaceful civic activities. Violence of any kind undermines the safety, trust and respect that hold a community together,” she told the commissioners.

Commissioners Sean Kertes and Doug Chew, both Republicans, stopped short of pledging support for the adoption of a formal resolution, but said they have no tolerance for political violence.

“No act of retaliation or violence should ever happen and I am sorry what happened to you,” Kertes said. He later noted that the rally had just “one individual who went rogue.”

“It’s common sense that you don’t hurt anyone for their political beliefs,” Kertes said.

Chew said he agreed with Kertes that violence is unacceptable.

Commissioner Ted Kopas, a Democrat, said he would sponsor a formal resolution from the commissioners to condemn political violence.

“I think it’s appropriate that we show a unified front to the public that this behavior is totally unacceptable,” Kopas said.

Primm said a bipartisan formal condemnation is warranted from all three commissioners.

“I want our leaders to protect all of their constituents to the best extent they can,” Primm said.