Man Had Gas Can When He Threatened State Rep. Staffer In Bensalem: PD

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — A 65-year-old township man is in custody for trying to set the district office of State Rep. Kathleen "KC" Tomlinson on fire and also threatening one of her staff members.

Donald Ambrose was charged with Terroristic Threats, Harassment, and Disorderly Conduct.

He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Joseph P. Falcone, who set bail at 10 percent of $200,000. Ambrose was sent to the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

Bensalem Police responded on Tuesday to Tomlinson's office on Tuesday for the report of a disorderly person.

Police said Ambrose entered the office and began removing paperwork from office desks and throwing it around before making threats toward staff and leaving the office.

During the encounter Ambrose retrieved a gas can from the truck of his vehicle. Employees were in fear that Ambrose would set fire to the building.

Ambrose left the area prior to police arrival. Ambrose was later located and taken into custody.

Tomlinson was in Harrisburg for a voting session at the time.

"We live in a very unsettling time, especially as public servants," Tomlinson said. "We can disagree on issues, but we must do better as human beings — it’s never okay to destroy property or threaten someone’s life."

The longtime Republican state representative is running for re-election in the November general election.

Tomlinson said the incident wasn't the first time "we have experienced a hostile encounter in just a few short months which is completely unacceptable."

Councilman Joseph Wenzel Jr., a Democrat, offered his support for against political violence.

"Violence is never a solution. Have conversations, have debates, please be respectful," Wenzel said. " I’m sorry about the actions that were taken against Representative Tomlinson and her office."

Tomlinson thanked the Bensalem Township Police Department for its fast response and her staff who continue to "show up day in and day out" to serve residents in the 18th Legislative District.

No additional information regarding this incident will be provided by Bensalem Police at this time.

Tomlinson is the state representative for the 18th Legislative District which covers Bensalem Township and Hulmeville Borough