Da shuts down new kensington elks lodge after string of violent incidents and fights

NEW KENSINGTON, PA – The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office has filed an emergency injunction to temporarily shut down the Elks Lodge 294 on 3rd Avenue following a series of violent incidents and regulatory violations linked to the club.

District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced the move Friday, citing cooperation between her office, the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, and the New Kensington Police Department. Officials said the lodge has been the site of 32 police-related incidents since 2022, including assaults, shootings, and disturbances both inside and outside the building.

The most recent event occurred on December 6, when police responded to a homicide and assault connected to the property. Investigators say the club has repeatedly failed to comply with state liquor laws and conditions set by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The lodge is currently operating under a conditional license agreement while appealing the LCB’s earlier decision to deny its license renewal.

“Enough is enough,” DA Ziccarelli said in a statement. “The people of New Kensington do not deserve the persistent disturbances and violence that occur at this establishment. We are going to proceed in our efforts to curtail the unacceptable behavior that continues to plague this neighborhood.”

The injunction, filed in coordination with law enforcement and liquor control officials, will remain in effect while legal proceedings determine the lodge’s future operations.

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