Kelly's Mercer County office vandalized
Police are investigating after U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly's office in Mercer County was vandalized overnight Thursday, authorities said.
The word “Traitor” was spray-painted in blue and red on the glass door and windows at the office on Chestnut Avenue in Sharon, Kelly spokesman Andrew Eisenberger said Sunday.
Sharon police apparently discovered the vandalism that night before the congressman's staff showed up for work Friday.
The damage followed a melee Wednesday that broke out at the U.S. Capitol during a rally in Washington, D.C., by supporters of President Donald Trump.
According to media reports, the protestors breached the Capitol, forcing a lockdown and delayed the vote certifying President-elect Joe Biden's victory.
Kelly, R-16th, a staunch Trump supporter, released a statement Thursday in response to the violence at the rally.
“What happened at the United States Capitol (Wednesday) was wrong and does not reflect who we are as Americans,” the statement read. “In this country we resolve our disputes peacefully in legislative bodies and courts under the rule of law.
“Thank you to the Capitol Police and all other law enforcement officers who bravely secured the Capitol and kept us safe.”
Following the vandalism at his Sharon office, Kelly issued another statement: “Our nation is in the midst of a trying time and emotions are high,” he said, “but vandalism and attempting to intimidate those with whom we politically disagree will not bring this country together.”
Eisenberger said there is internal surveillance at the office but cameras did not capture good images that possibly could help the police investigation. A telephone call to police Sunday was not immediately returned and it was not known if there are any suspects.
A local glass company has removed the graffiti, Eisenberger said. A damage estimate is pending.
