Western PA teacher charged after classroom fight allegedly provoked for social media attention
NEW KENSINGTON, PA – A junior high teacher in Westmoreland County is facing criminal charges after police say he encouraged students to fight in his classroom — an incident that was later shared on social media and caught the attention of investigators.
Bradley Reiher, 45, of Tarentum, is charged with corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children, both misdemeanor offenses. Reiher teaches at Valley Junior-Senior High School in New Kensington, where the incident reportedly occurred in October.
According to the New Kensington Police Department and the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, investigators were alerted after video footage of a classroom altercation began circulating on social platforms. In the clip, authorities say Reiher can be heard egging on students, encouraging them to engage in a physical confrontation.
The fight initially involved two students but quickly escalated when a third joined in. Police say Reiher and another teacher eventually broke up the altercation, but not before the damage had been done — and filmed.
The circumstances leading up to the incident, including whether it was staged or filmed for content, are still under review. Investigators say Reiher’s behavior created a dangerous environment and violated his duty of care as an educator.
Reiher is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing in January. As of now, he has not issued a public statement and his employment status with the school district has not been officially confirmed.
Under Pennsylvania law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Points
- Teacher Bradley Reiher, 45, is charged with provoking a student fight in class
- Video footage reportedly shows Reiher encouraging students before breaking up the fight
- Charges include corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children
