Armstrong County billboard featuring Antwon Rose, Michael Rosfeld sparks controversy on social media
Billboard was displayed on Bear Road in Worthington
Billboard was displayed on Bear Road in Worthington
Billboard was displayed on Bear Road in Worthington
Two days after the acquittal of former East Pittsburgh police Officer Michael Rosfeld in the shooting death of Antwon Rose, a billboard with the text “Justice Served, Get over it” was on display in Worthington, Armstrong County.
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The digital display on the billboard showed a photo of Rosfeld with “Policeman” written above and a photo of Rose with “Criminal” written above. The text above the photos said “Legal System Works," and the text below the photos said, "Justice Served Get over it."
Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 went to Worthington and saw the billboard on Bear Road. The billboard is on private property and residents say it belongs to local businessman John Placek.
Images of the billboard began circulating on social media Sunday afternoon, with many people calling for it to be taken down.
Placek's twin brother, Rich, told Pittsburgh's Action News 4 that his brother is neither a bigot nor racist.
"No, he's not a racist. He's trying to put a point across: We need to be equal," Rich Placek said.
Pittsburgh's Action News 4 has reached out to the owner to lean more about the motivation for the message.
Residents of Worthington had varying reactions Monday.
"It doesn't really bother me," said Emily Close. "If you don't like it, don't look at it, I guess. I'm not going to say what he can and can't put on it."
"It's really not appropriate to have that along the highway," Corey Chasse said. "It's really not, but I think he just wants to prove a point. He said he wants to spark conversation."
While Pittsburgh's Action News 4 was at the scene, sparks could be seen, as if someone were trying to cut the electricity to the billboard. (See video below)