State Representative Brian Ellis talks as Butler County Chamber of Commerce hosted a legislative breakfast held at Butler Country Club on Friday May 18, 2018.

Less than 24 hours after allegations surfaced that state Rep. Brian Ellis, R-11, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Harrisburg in 2015, his caucus’ leadership called for his resignation.

But several of his fellow Butler County representatives have questioned the move, calling it hasty.

“House Republican leaders are recommending Rep. Brian Ellis resign from office to take care of his family and address the allegations raised against him that are currently the subject of a criminal investigation by the Dauphin County District Attorney,” the party wrote in a prepared statement. “The House Republican Caucus has zero tolerance for any instance of sexual violence or harassment.

Gov. Tom Wolf also called for Ellis’ resignation on Friday.

“The allegations against Rep. Ellis are outrageous and unacceptable,” Wolf’s spokesman, J.J. Abbott wrote in an email. “We stand with the survivor whose decision to come forward and seek justice is courageous. Gov. Wolf believes Rep. Ellis should resign.”

Ellis, who lives in Butler Township, has also been stripped of a committee chairmanship by the GOP leadership.

With no official charges brought against Ellis, state officials representing Butler County urged the party to withhold judgment until more facts become revealed.

“I would sincerely hope that he would have an opportunity to defend his name, which is what I feel is missing in this MeToo moment,” said Rep. Jeff Pyle, R-60th, who represents part of Butler County. He said the leadership shouldn’t “just bail out.”

“Everyone should have their day in court,” Pyle said. “That’s the American way.”

Read more about what local legislators think about the Ellis case in Sunday’s Butler Eagle or subscribe to butlereagle.com.