EASTON, Pa. — Northampton County Council on Thursday formally condemned political violence and called for civility after residents denounced Councilwoman Kelly Keegan over a social media post about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Keegan, who also is a nurse supervisor for Easton Area School District, sparked backlash for Facebook comments attributed to her about Kirk, who was assassinated during an event in Utah.
In at least one Facebook post, she allegedly wrote that Kirk was “a monster” and that “his wife and kids are better off without him, as is the rest of the world. Hopefully her next partner will respect women and children.”
County council unanimously approved a resolution condemning political violence and calling for civility after many residents in a packed meeting called for unity amid political divisiveness following Kirk's death.
The residents also expressed dismay for Keegan's alleged words that they said contributed to the growing divide.
Above all, most speakers pressed council to call for Keegan's resignation or impose consequences.
Others also said they believe Easton Area School Board should fire Keegan and for the state Board of Nursing to revoke her license.
Al Smith, of Nazareth, spoke at the meeting, noting his affiliation with the Republican Party.
"Actually, we're certainly going to condemn the process by which she put forward the antagonistic hatred that's brought up because of this."Nazareth resident Al Smith
"My main reason to make a few words here is basically that when you're an elected official, you have to be cognizant of your words," Smith said. "What Kelly did was quite stupid, quite frankly...
"But she certainly should take some note that we're not happy about this — Republican Committee, certainly, and the Conservative Party, Libertarian — by the way, there's a little caveat: Even at this group, we're not going to sit back and condemn her for free speech. That's kind of stupid and foolish.
"Actually, we're certainly going to condemn the process by which she put forward the antagonistic hatred that's brought up because of this."
Smith said he wasn't asking for Keegan — who attended the meeting virtually — to be fired, but to face some consequential action.
"You certainly shouldn't be posting inflammatory things, again, on social media," Smith said. "It is extraordinarily stupid."
Other residents argued Keegan's post wasn't free speech, but hate speech.
"You have the authority to ensure that through your actions and through your words, she understands that such conditions, such activities, such horrendous comments will not be tolerated," said Glenn Geissinger, chairman of the Northampton County Republican Committee.
"We cannot allow the hate to go on. We cannot allow the fact that we wear separate colors in an election or a separate side of an aisle in a body to continue to create and fester hate or anger.
"We may disagree, but ultimately, I hope that we are all committed to the idea that a better United States... It's in a better Pennsylvania and a better Northampton County.
"No matter how we feel, we need to get there."
Shaping 'future of Northampton County'
Amid a crowd holding hand fans reading, "I am Charlie Kirk," and an outpouring of disapproval from residents, Keegan had a supporter: Kathleen Soper.
Soper argued Keegan's remarks were, in fact, free speech, through expressing her personal opinion, despite the many who showed up Thursday night who disagree with it.
"We as a body have limited authority to call for the removal of a commissioner, and according to the Charter, these conditions are not met by private actions on social media."Northampton County Council President Lori Vargo Heffner
Soper also advocated for togetherness.
"Politicians are using this incident as an opportunity to divide the local community and push a personal agenda," Soper said.
"That is at odds with the way I have learned Easton and Northampton residents operate with: patience, clear communication and grace for their neighbors.
"Bravery is required of all elected representatives at this pivotal moment in American history.
"It is not a small or simple sacrifice, and I do not envy the position you are in, but I urge you to think about why you ran for this council and how you want to shape the future of Northampton County."
Council Vice President John Goffredo, who also is a Republican, went against the grain, saying he believed Keegan's post fell under free speech, even if others might consider it to be hate speech.
"We all have agendas, that's why we ran," Goffredo said. "We all believe in things. I believe in freedom of speech. I believe that, as much as I disagree with some people, if they want to say things, they can say them."
Before ending public comment, council President Lori Vargo Heffner delivered a statement to address several concerns from constituents regarding Keegan's post.
Heffner said she consulted council's solicitor and reviewed the Home Rule Charter, Administrative Code and council Code of Conduct.
"While the county has a clear social media policy for employees, it does not apply to council, as we are elected officials and not supervised by the administration," Heffner said.
"We are a body comprised of nine members who serve at the pleasure of those who elected us to fill these positions. We take an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
"We are expected to collaborate, debate, discuss issues and oversee the county budget and create legislation. We are expected to follow our code of civility, to have these discussions with respect for everyone’s opinion.
"While some of us are subdued in our approach and others more vociferous, we all have a right to have our opinions heard in this room.
"What any of us think, feel or believe outside of this room in the privacy of our own lives is not governed by this code.
"We as a body have limited authority to call for the removal of a commissioner, and according to the charter, these conditions are not met by private actions on social media."
Keegan did not comment on the matter at the meeting.
'Shreds of hope'
The situation did, however, empower Councilman Thomas Giovanni to propose a resolution condemning all political violence.
The resolution condemns all forms of political violence, intimidation and harassment and reaffirm the county's commitment to upholding democratic values.
It calls on both citizens and elected officials to reject hateful rhetoric and instead model civil behavior.
"... Everybody wants to see us, you know, burn Kelly at the stake — it ain't gonna make it better."Northampton County Council Vice President Jeff Goffredo
Councilman Jeff Warren said he would vote in support of the resolution, quoting Martin Luther King Jr. about violence working against solving social problems.
"There's a lot of talk about accountability, and there is a ton of blame to go around," Warren said. "We are in a bad place, and we've been here for a while because there's so much hate, and it continues to be stoked by the internet.
"But I do remain steadfast, and I continue to have shreds of hope, shreds of optimism, that we can treat each other better, that we can exercise more restraint and use the means of non-violence to drive home our philosophies, which is the foundation of our republic, folks, it's the foundation of our republic."
Goffredo echoed Warren's comments, calling for support for the resolution as a sense of togetherness, instead of setting an example of political division within local government.
"Everybody wants to see us, you know, burn Kelly at the stake — it ain't gonna make it better," Goffredo said.
"There's gonna be a pendulum swing back the other way. It's just gonna keep going until grown-ups get in charge and just say, 'Yo, we gotta, we gotta pass resolutions. We gotta do our business...'"
Goffredo voted in support of the resolution and cautioned Keegan, "If you support it, I hope you come back ... with a whole new attitude."
Keegan said she would, calling Councilman Warren's comments inspiring.
"You make me want to be a better person," she said. "You make me want to be a better" council member.
