HARRISBURG, PA – Following an incident at the Harrisburg Rally for Palestine, Capitol police Superintendent Joe Jacob announced the arrest and subsequent charging of Richard Kevin Blandy, 56, of South Lebanon Township.
On Friday, around 6:24 p.m., Blandy reportedly confronted rally organizers, shouting racial slurs and brandishing a firearm.
Despite an immediate pursuit, Capitol police were unable to apprehend Blandy at the scene. However, thanks to video evidence and eyewitness testimonies, South Lebanon Township Police Department arrested him by 7:30 p.m.
Blandy now faces charges of ethnic intimidation, terroristic threats, simple assault by physical menace, and several traffic offenses.
Omar Mussa, a participant at the rally, described the harrowing experience, expressing fear for attendees’ safety. Following the incident, Mussa reported the event to Capitol police, prompting the investigation that led to Blandy’s arrest.