Sunbury Fire Captain Faces Backlash for Inappropriate Comment After Trump Assassination Attempt
SUNBURY, PA – Tony Bendele, a captain at Americus Hose Company in Sunbury, has come under fire for his controversial comment on social media following the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
After the incident, which tragically resulted in the death of former fire chief Corey Comperatore and injuries to two others at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, Bendele posted on Twitter, “Too bad it didn’t hit him square.” This comment has sparked widespread outrage, leading to his account being reported and subsequently flagged on X (formerly Twitter).
In the wake of the backlash, both Bendele and the Americus Hose Company have shut down their social media profiles. Despite the controversy, Bendele has issued a statement showing no remorse for his remarks.
Corey Comperatore, the man killed during the attack, was remembered by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a hero who died protecting his family. Described as a devoted father and community member, Comperatore’s death has been deeply felt across the state.
Earlier today, Bendele announced his resignation and expressed remorse for the comment.
“To everyone. Please accept this as my resignation from the firehouse. I can’t do this. This is so beyond anything that should ever be happening. I have been threatened. ••• My family has been threatened. My friends have been threatened. I have never felt so unsafe in my life. This is so far past anything that should ever be condoned. It’s one thing to ruin my life, I accept that. But to put everyone else in danger around me, to shut down everyone’s daily life, this is not ok. If you condone what’s currently occurring, you should take a long hard look in the mirror as well. I made a mistake with that simple statement. I own that. But to threaten those around me with harm that had no part in this, I can’t do it. I’m sorry to everyone who is currently affected by this. I’m ashamed that I’ve brought this to you. I’ve already lost several people extremely close to me. I expect to lose more,” he said in a statement.