State Representative Threatens He Would Run Over Protesters

A Pennsylvania state representative took to Twitter Saturday to threaten protesters that may get in the way of his car. Republican State Rep. Aaron Bernstine tweeted a story from The Hill about protesters shutting down St. Louis streets, and adding,“If anyone EVER tries to stop my car on a highway with negative intentions... I will not stop under any conditions.”

Bernstine, who was elected in 2016, represents a district north of Pittsburgh in Western Pennsylvania. On his official website, he states, "We honor life, and recognize that all rights and values derive from a divine source."

Bernstine doubled down on his statements when faced with criticism.

“Feel free to call my office and let me know if you think it is ok to refuse to stop if thugs try to stop me or my family on a highway,” Bernstine tweeted. “Difference between me and these snowflakes is that I won't be assaulted in name of ‘free speech.’”

Protesters in St. Louis demonstrated Friday against the acquittal of a white police officer accused of the 2011 killing of a black motorist.

Bernstine’s comments come a month after a woman was killed in Charlottesville, Virginia, when a man slammed a car into a group of protesters. The woman and others hit by the car were counter-protesters rallying for the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and against a group that included neo-Nazis and white supremacists. After the killing, President Donald Trump divisively condemned violence on “all-sides.”

Several Pennsylvania state lawmakers introduced a bill last month that would hold protesters that break the law responsible for police overtime and other expenses associated with the demonstrations.