Concern for community, victim of altercation

The members of the Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition share the community’s dismay regarding the most recent racially charged altercation in our beloved city of Pittsburgh, which is stronger than hate.

On June 25, 46- year- old City of Pittsburgh firefighter, Thomas D’Andrea, was video recorded violently restraining a 13- year- old African American youth at a playground in Greenfield (“July 10, “On Greenfield Bridge, a Call for Change”). Police were called and upon arrival, they observed Mr. D’Andrea pinning the child to playground equipment, with his body atop the juvenile. Mr. D’Andrea, who is Caucasian, has been placed on administrative leave while the Office of Municipal Investigations conducts a probe into the incident. On June 29, the Pittsburgh Police applied for and were granted a warrant to charge Mr. D’Andrea with Misdemeanor Counts of Simple Assault and Criminal Mischief.

The PBEOC extend our sympathy to the youth and his family. The media has reported that the child’s father provided an update on the 13year- old’s health status: “Doctors found a large lump on his head, swollen lips and a bloody mouth, while he continues having difficulty breathing because of the attack which exacerbated his asthma condition.” The members of the PBEOC wish this courageous young man a swift recovery from his physical ailments, as well as deep and lasting healing from any and all negative emotional impact from this incident.

As leaders, we insist on a higher standard for our collective behavior. As a firefighter and a Democratic Committee member, Mr. D’Andrea is considered a leader and should have held himself to that higher standard. Rep. Jake Wheatley said “the members of the PBEOC are closely monitoring this incident. We share the intense concern that the correct message is sent to the broader community regarding respect and how the residents of Pittsburgh treat our youth, as well as our citizens in general.”

REPS. JAKE WHEATLEY, JR. AND ED GAINEY Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition Hill District This letter was also signed by four other members of the coalition.