(Newsworthy.news) – Americans are criticizing a state representative from Pennsylvania after a video of him seeming to threaten employees at a restaurant was posted on social media.
Democrat Rep. Kevin Boyle, who serves a portion of Philadelphia County, has become the center of attention and an investigation since he was caught on camera aggressively interacting with bartenders at the Gaul and Co. Malt House.
The video—which was filmed at the restaurant located in Rockledge Township, Pennsylvania—depicted Boyle having an argument with employees at the bar and threatening to “end this bar.”
Boyle heatedly asked the bartenders if they “know who I am” multiple times and declared that “the bar is done tomorrow.” According to the head of Montgomery County police, officers were called by the bartender and arrived on scene shortly after midnight on Thursday, February 8.
Boyle is under investigation but has yet to be dealt any criminal charges. Police also shared that they had not found any evidence that the lawmaker had gotten into a car after the incident.
Following the release of the video, the Democratic Leadership in the Pennsylvania House issued a statement addressing the concerns and backlash. The party leadership said they “are aware” of the video having been posted to social media, which it described as “very troubling.”
The Democrats explained in the statement that Boyle “has been open” about what they called “his personal challenges” and that they are “encouraged” by the fact that their fellow Democrat and “dear friend” has begun “seeking help.”
The statement took the opportunity to endorse mental health services and emphasize that Pennsylvania’s Democratic leadership “advocate[s] so strongly” for “access” to such services because related “challenges…happen to anyone.”
Boyle was reportedly drunk and began threatening employees after refusing to leave the restaurant. The bartender called police with the intent of removing the lawmaker from the premises and expressed that the company does not want to press charges.
Nobody was injured and Boyle eventually left the restaurant, according to police.
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