Pennsylvania fire chief resigns over ‘inappropriate’ post about Trump assassination attempt
A local fire chief in Pennsylvania has resigned over an “inappropriate” social media post about the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump.
“A little to the right next time please,” then-Prospect Park Fire Chief Jim Simmonds said on Facebook Saturday, per CBS Philadelphia.
The social media post, which has since been deleted, came after 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks unleashed gunfire from a rooftop overlooking Trump’s rally in Connoquenessing Township on Saturday.
The former president was struck in his right ear, and a rally attendee, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, was killed in violent chaos. Another two people — David Dutch, 57 and James Copenhaver, 74 — were also wounded before a sniper took out Crooks.
On Monday, Simmonds announced his resignation and shared a lengthy apology after his post sparked some serious backlash.
“I take full responsibility for the offensive post and acknowledge that this behavior is not acceptable,” Simmonds said. “I meant no harm to anyone and an attempted assassination of a former U.S. President is no laughing matter.”
He dubbed Comperatore, who served with the Buffalo Township volunteer fire company for more than 20 years, a hero. Witnesses said Comperatore used his body to shield his wife and daughter when the gunfire broke out.
“I’m especially ashamed that I made light of an event that killed a fellow former volunteer Pennsylvania fire chief,” Simmonds said. “I have donated to his family’s Go Fund Me campaign, and I encourage others to do the same.”
The Prospect Park Fire Company in a statement confirmed Simmonds’ resignation, emphasizing his “ill-mannered remarks” were “personal in nature and were not an official statement.” It also emphasized Simmonds’ comments do not represent the views of the company.
“The Prospect Park Fire Company does not condone this type of behavior by our members or our leadership,” said Chairman Joe Magee. “We are deeply saddened by Chief Simmonds comments and agreed that it would be best if he stepped down in his role as Chief.”
