Pennsylvania State Rep. Kevin Boyle (D-Philadelphia) was banned from a Montgomery County bar where he was caught on video berating employees, according to police. Boyle also allegedly threatened female staff members at the bar before police arrived, investigators said.
The viral video shows Boyle yelling and cursing at people inside Gaul & Co. Malt House, a popular bar on Huntingdon Pike in Rockledge, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, shortly after midnight, police said. Boyle appears to be intoxicated as he calls people inside the bar, “idiots” and “morons” while also accusing them of being “traitors” and “actors.”
In the video, Boyle can be seen threatening the people inside, saying that he’ll prevent their “promotion.”
“Do you not think I’m going to prevent your promotion in the United States military?” he asks in the video.
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The bouncer at the bar called 911 and staff members reported that Boyle had threatened to hit female employees, including the bartender. They also told police Boyle was intoxicated and possibly under the influence of drugs.
The responding Rockledge police officer found Boyle standing outside near the front door, investigators said.
Boyle presented his driver's license to the officer when asked for his information but he would not provide any further details, police said.
Politics
Police said upon further investigation, the officer learned that Boyle had been asked to leave the bar but he refused and started to threaten the staff. Boyle ended up leaving but he returned shortly after.
The officer told Boyle that he was banned from the bar and ordered to leave the area, according to police. He left on foot and was not driving.
Police said no injuries were reported and the staff involved told the officer they did not want to press charges.
"The management team and employees at the Malt House were fully cooperative with the officer when this incident occurred and have continued to be helpful with the Rocklege Police Department as the investigation into this incident continues," Chief of Police John Gallagher said in a press release. "They have agreed to preserve recording from the bar's video surveillance system and their personal phones."
NBC10 reached out to Boyle’s office in Philadelphia as well as Gaul & Co. for comment. We have not yet heard back from them. A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders also provided a statement on the incident.
“We are aware of a video circulating on social media. It is very troubling. Rep. Boyle has been open about his personal challenges,” the spokesperson wrote. “We are encouraged that our colleague and dear friend is seeking help. Our commitment to delivering mental health services does not stop at the Capitol Steps. One of the main reasons we advocate so strongly for mental health access is the reality that challenges can and do happen to anyone, and seeking treatment should be encouraged, not stigmatized.”
In 2021, Boyle was arrested and charged with harassment and violating a protection from abuse order that was filed by his wife.
“It is important to note that Kevin Boyle is not accused of any act of violence. By agreement with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Kevin is scheduled for a mental health evaluation," Boyle's attorney, R. Emmett Madden, told NBC10 in a written statement in reference to the arrest back in 2021. "He intends to follow through with all court, mental health and medical recommendations, including treatment. We are confident that with treatment, Kevin can return to full health, resolve these charges, and continue serving his constituents.”
Boyle, a Democrat, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and represents the 172nd District which covers parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Following his arrest in 2021, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Boyle was removed from his position as House Finance Committee chairman and had his access to the Capitol limited for unknown reasons.
Boyle is also the younger brother of Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd District).
