Gun-toting crowd rallies in Greensburg for Rostraver officer, Second Amendment rights
Alex Romansky of Rostraver hasn't been a fan of publicly displaying his firearms in the past.
But after a policeman faced backlash for counter-protesting at a Greensburg rally last month, Romansky decided to step up.
"I felt bad for him," he said of Rostraver Officer Martin Palla. "He did absolutely nothing wrong, nothing illegal."
Romansky joined about 150 people who attended a pro-gun rally Sunday afternoon in the courtyard of the Westmoreland County Courthouse in support of Palla and gun rights. Some held or carried long guns — like the AR-15 Palla had slung over his shoulder on March 23 — to the Greensburg rally. Others had their firearms in hip holsters.
"I'm just sick of what's going on and not doing anything about it," Romansky said, while holding a short barrel rifle with a silencer. "This gun never hurt anybody."
Palla was off duty when he stood across Main Street from a March for Our Lives event, which was held in the same spot as Sunday's rally. Organizer Brett Seroka wanted to show Palla that he has supporters .
About 200 students and community members last month voiced their opposition to gun violence and mass shootings in schools.
Hempfield Area junior Austin Branthoover, 17, criticized some his age who have gained notoriety recently in calling for gun control, including those who have become activists after a February school shooting in Parkland, Fla., left 17 dead.
"I want you to tell my generation when we're wrong," Branthoover told rally participants.
California Area Middle School teacher Joshua Pollock said the focus should be on providing school districts with more funding and better resources to help students with mental health issues. Guns are not the problem, he said.
"What has changed in our society that is causing these attacks? The answer is not guns," he said. "Rising mental health issue numbers and lack of awareness, declining resources to treat mental illnesses in schools, inadequate staffing due to tightening budgets, our society's cultural values shifting, exposure to violence ... at young ages are all contributing to the increasing number of school tragedies."
He and other speakers pointed out that someone intending to do harm can use other implements as a weapon, rather than a gun.
Many speakers' comments drew applause and passers-by beeped their horns in support.
Tommy Suppa of Lower Burrell stood near Main Street with an AR-15 and two handguns, as well as a tactical vest.
"I came here today to exercise my rights," he said. "I definitely wish it was a lot larger (crowd), but I think that takes time."
Those in the crowd offered support to Palla, who did not attend. Rostraver Police Chief Greg Resetar said last month that he did not condone Palla's actions. A departmental inquiry was launched and Palla remained on the job.
Sheriff Jon Held offered him a new position.
"If that job does not work for you ... please come see me right in this building," Held said. "I'll gladly hire you."
Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-837-5374, rsignorini@tribweb.com or via Twitter @byrenatta.
