A Pennsylvania volunteer firefighter has resigned amid backlash and even a bomb threat after comments about former President Donald Trump's assassination attempt.
Firefighter Tony Bendele resigned from Americus Hose Company in Sunbury after a social media post he posted went viral. He took to Facebook to complain about the threats he and his family had allegedly received after he was buried under an avalanche of anger for writing: “Too bad it didn't affect him,” referring to the 'attack on Trump in Butler County on the day. Saturday during a rally.
While a bullet went through the former president's ear and miraculously did not enter his head where it was probably intended, those attending the demonstration were also casualties with one man, a local firefighter, hailed as a hero for sacrificing the his life while protecting his family from bullets.
Bendele's comment in light of the tragic death of firefighter Corey Comperatore was even more disparaging to social media users who showered Americus and the city with messages.
Meet Tony Bendele.
He is reportedly a firefighter in Sunbury, PA.
After the assassination attempt, he wrote on Facebook: “Too bad it didn't happen to him.”
When the audience saw his disparaging comment, they doubled down.
It would be a shame if Pennsylvanians called… pic.twitter.com/d3ZtNY88cc
— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) July 15, 2024
Bob Hare, the fire department's general manager, along with Americus President Jerome Alex, said Bendele resigned Monday, the same day Americus was as reported closed due to a bomb threat.
According to screenshots of Bendele's post, he wrote that he was quitting, adding: “I can't do this.”
“This is way beyond anything that should happen,” he wrote, saying he and his family and friends have faced threats.
“I've never felt so unsafe in my life. This is way beyond anything that should be tolerated,” continued the ex-firefighter who thought his own comments about the attempted murder of 'a former president should be tolerated.
“If you realize what is currently happening, you should also take a long hard look in the mirror,” Bendele continued, admitting he made a “mistake” with his “simple statement.”
“I own this. But to threaten those around me with harm who have had no part in it, I can't do that,” he wrote.
BREAKING: Tony has resigned as a firefighter https://t.co/vUhMeE43AL pic.twitter.com/UzbP61czW6
— TikTok Libs (@libsofttalk) July 15, 2024
“I'm sorry for everyone who is currently affected by this. I'm ashamed to have brought this to you,” he concluded. “I've already lost several people very close to me. I hope 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 brother whose heroic action (sic) to protect his family by protecting them shows who he was,” Alex said, referring to Comperatore.
But even Bendele's resignation charge did nothing to extinguish the fire he ignited.
It looks like Tony is trying to make himself the victim and it doesn't seem too serious. Toni looks like a loser.
— Erin Elizabeth Health Nut News (@unhealthytruth) July 15, 2024
well I come from a family of volunteer firefighters. I can't imagine either of them wishing death on another human.
Ask for help, Tony. You are a sick person.
— Julia (@Jules31415) July 15, 2024
How disgusting after the shooting meant for Trump to kill a fellow firefighter. There is no hope for some people.
— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) July 15, 2024
Cry me a river! He's asking for the conviction when he literally just supported an assassination attempt on a former president of the United States. Good start Tony.
— Eddie (@EddieSportas) July 15, 2024
Tony Fafo I don't condone violence. Nor will I stand by and watch them continue their violent rhetoric toward a beloved president and an American who lost his life. 2 wounded The gloves are off. The responsibility has come to touch.
— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) July 15, 2024
presumably taking a day off to create a new username,
“mylifesux2024” seems like a strong candidate. pic.twitter.com/xLmLg7NqD0— Poiseuille (@JLM_Poiseuille) July 15, 2024
DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW
Please help us! If you're sick of letting radical tech execs, bogus fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals, and the lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news, consider donating to BPR to help us fight back them. Now is the time. The truth has never been more critical!
Success! Thanks for donating. Please share BPR content to help fight lies.
We have zero tolerance for comments that contain violence, racism, profanity, profanity, doxing, or rude behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it, click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for engaging with us in a fruitful conversation.
English 
Español de Venezuela 