Westmoreland commissioners pass resolution to condemn political violence

Westmoreland County commissioners unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution Thursday to condemn political violence, days after the measure appeared unlikely to pass.

The vote followed a public plea from Smithton resident Karen Primm, who was injured in an alleged attack by a counter-protester during a recent No Kings rally in front of the courthouse.

Republican Commissioners Sean Kertes and Doug Chew had initially said their public statements against political violence were sufficient. However, they relented days later after working with Democratic Commissioner Ted Kopas to amend his proposed resolution. The final declaration included acknowledgment of the Greensburg No Kings incident as well as the September assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

“The Board of Commissioners … unequivocally condemn all forms of political violence, regardless of its source or justification; that we call upon leaders, public officials and citizens to denounce political violence, promote civil discourse, and uphold our republic’s values of tolerance and the peaceful resolution of conflicts; and that we commit to fostering environments – both public and private – where differences are addressed through dialogue, respect and democratic processes, rejecting violence as a means to achieve political ends,” the resolution states.

Police last week charged a Southwest Greensburg man in connection with the attack at the Greensburg rally attended by an estimated 3,000 protesters, according to authorities.

Primm said her arm was slashed by a wooden flag pole during the altercation. Police charged Jeffrey C. Greece, 58, with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief, and a summary offense of harassment.

Primm and a group of nearly a dozen residents attended Thursday’s meeting to again lobby for action to condemn political violence. Several speakers opposed inclusion of Kirk’s name in the commissioners’ resolution.

“We do not condone any political violence,” Kertes said.

Kopas said the bipartisan resolution is proof that diverging political viewpoints can ultimately result in compromise.

“My original draft did not include any specific references, however you shouldn’t throw out the good in search of the great,” Kopas said. “While the language may not be to everyone’s liking, it’s important we stand together,” Kopas said.

Chew agreed.

“We appreciate … a bipartisan path toward passage of this resolution over the last several days to arrive at something the three of use can really support and be behind,” Chew said.