Police Chief Who Posted Profane 'Libtard' Videos Slapped With Suspension

Just one week ago, TheBlaze introduced you to Mark Kessler, the very vocal, automatic-weapon-toting police chief from the tiny town of Gilberton Borough, Pa. Kessler became something of a viral video star after a few of his profanity-laced, anti-liberal videos were picked up by a wide variety of news outlets.

Image: YouTube

A week later, Chief Kessler finds himself suspended for 30 days without pay. How did it all happen?

As the story broke on TheBlaze and nationally, petitions started popping up online and locally. Most called for Kessler to be terminated. Pro-gun supporters rallied to the chief's side, saluting his defense of the Second Amendment. And, as reported in our initial story, the town's mayor, Mary Lou Hannon was staunchly behind her law enforcement leader. On Saturday, July 27, Mayor Hannon confirmed her initial statement to The Blaze: “If you were in trouble, he’s the kind of guy you would want by your side, protecting you. He’s a no-nonsense police officer.”

Image: PennLive.com screen capture

However, all of the attention to Chief Kessler's videos forced the borough's city council to put his online actions on their agenda for their July meeting. That meeting, originally slated for July 25, was moved to July 31 in order to allow the vacationing chief to be there in person.

The media interest brought out an estimated 30 members of the press. Gilberton residents were also in attendance, as were Second Amendment fans from several surrounding states. The mayor selected the members of the media that would be allowed into the session, and the remaining seats were reserved for citizens of the borough.

A substantial crowd, many toting a variety of firearms, gathered outside the building where the city council held a closed-door meeting that eventually ended with Kessler being reprimanded for misuse of borough property. The council vote was 5-1 for the suspension. Mayor Hannon does not have a vote on city council issues, but she did preside over the executive session and after the hour-long meeting ended, she reported the results to the waiting crowd, adding, "It was just the misuse of borough property." The mayor also stated that she hopes Kessler returns to work in 30 days.

Watch the local TV coverage from PennLive.com:

"Bottom line, I respect the decision, unfortunately, uh, it could have been a little bit different, but I respect the decision," Kessler said of the suspension after the meeting, standing next to his attorney and surrounded by supporters.

Kessler's attorney reiterated that his client would be back on the job 30 days from today. TheBlaze has reached out to Chief Kessler and his attorney for additional comments. We will update this story when additional information is available.

Follow Mike Opelka on Twitter @stuntbrain

--

[related]