Lawmakers call for representative’s resignation after Snapchat videos surface

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Both the Republican and Democratic lawmakers are calling for the resignation of a state representative after what they called inappropriate Snapchat videos surfaced.

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In the four videos, state Rep. Aaron Bernstine can be seen talking with his child and other kids. In one video he urges his five-year-old son to smoke a cigar and use foul language. In another, Bernstine allegedly urges one of the kids to play a vulgar social media game. Another video shows him allegedly making fun of the children, calling them “Jerry’s kids” and that they make homes for children like them. Bernstine said the videos were posted to his now-deleted Snapchat account.

Bernstine posted an apology to his Facebook page Thursday. He said the videos were taken during a private vacation with friends and called them “jokes that went way too far.”

House Republicans issued a statement following the videos surfacing:

“As parents and fellow legislators, we are disgusted by Rep. Bernstine’s conduct. In order to take the time necessary to focus on his family and repair his relationships, we call on Rep. Bernstine to immediately resign.”

House Democratic leaders joined Republican leaders in calling for Bernstine’s resignation. In a statement to Channel 11, the House Democratic Leader’s Office said:

“The people deserve to know the men and women they send to Harrisburg will behave in a manner worthy of the public’s trust. As more and more of Representative Bernstine’s alleged inappropriate behavior around his children and the children of others comes to light, we share the disappointment and disgust of the Republican leaders and urge Representative Bernstine to do the right thing and heed the call of his party’s leaders.”

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