Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas, who is also running for Congress, reported being threatened by former Steelton Borough Council President Brian Proctor at a Hershey restaurant on Friday night (May 8). Douglas claims Proctor approached him and made threatening remarks, including "I can touch you everywhere," and identified himself as a "gangster."
Douglas, who is a Democratic candidate in the upcoming primary for Pennsylvania's Tenth Congressional District, believes the confrontation is linked to his efforts in uncovering corruption in the county. He expressed concern for his family's safety, stating, "The thing that shakes me up about it is the call you have to make to your family member, like 'Hey, can you make sure all the doors are locked?'"
The incident is currently under investigation by the Derry Township Police Department. Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo has referred the case to the state attorney general’s office to avoid any conflict of interest. Proctor, when contacted, denied any knowledge of the incident or the investigation.
Douglas has stated his intention to cooperate fully with the investigation and has decided to hire security for himself and his family. He emphasized that while public scrutiny is part of being an elected official, threats cross a line.
As the primary election approaches, Douglas continues his campaign against Republican incumbent Scott Perry. The alleged threat adds tension to the political landscape, highlighting the challenges candidates face in maintaining personal safety while in the public eye.