FOLCROFT, PA – A borough councilman is facing backlash after posting a social media comment mocking conservative commentator Charlie Kirk just days after Kirk was the target of an assassination attempt.
Stephen Ropski, an elected councilman in Folcroft, Delaware County, responded in a Facebook thread by writing, “BREAKING NEWS: Charlie Kirk loses gun debate,” beneath a discussion on the Republican Committee of Chester County’s page. His remark, which appeared in a brightly colored meme-style background, drew immediate outrage from commenters.
The Republican Committee of Chester County condemned the statement in a direct reply, accusing Ropski of hypocrisy for ridiculing an act of violence while claiming to stand for tolerance. “The hypocrisy couldn’t be more obvious – And your posts will be permitted to stay to showcase your hypocrisy,” the committee wrote.
The exchange came as community members and political organizations across the region continued to react to the shooting incident targeting Kirk. While Kirk survived, the attack has intensified political tensions and renewed scrutiny of online rhetoric surrounding acts of violence.
Calls for accountability have begun circulating locally, with residents questioning whether an elected official should use public platforms to make light of an assassination attempt. As of Tuesday, Ropski has not issued a public statement addressing the controversy.
——
Key Points
- Folcroft councilman Stephen Ropski posted “Charlie Kirk loses gun debate” following the assassination attempt on Kirk
- The Republican Committee of Chester County publicly denounced the comment as hypocritical
- The post has sparked community outrage and raised questions about Ropski’s conduct as an elected official
A Pennsylvania councilman’s social media jab about Charlie Kirk has ignited a firestorm over mocking violence in politics.