Aaron Bernstine / The public record
The latest reporting. The full record.
A dated collection of reporting on Bernstine’s conduct, the response from his own party, and his public explanations.
PennLive • 2026
A witness’s account in Harrisburg
A witness told PennLive that Bernstine was “intentionally disruptive” at a Harrisburg bar and used racially charged, homophobic language about a colleague who wasn’t even there.
The same witness said Bernstine falsely claimed the colleague had AIDS. PennLive reported that Bernstine did not respond to its request for comment.
Read PennLive’s reportOctober 2020 • Snapchat videos
His words, as reported
“hit it harder,
breathe in.”
Aaron Bernstine, in a 2020 video described by Spotlight PA, October 8, 2020.
Spotlight PA reported that Bernstine encouraged his five-year-old son to smoke a cigar and involved children in vulgar exchanges.
Bernstine apologized, describing the videos as “jokes that went too far,” according to Spotlight PA.
Source: Spotlight PA • October 8, 2020
Video coverage opens on the publisher’s website. Includes adult language and discussion of a child using tobacco.
Original sources. Dated reporting.
Coverage is grouped by event. Several outlets reported on the same 2020 videos and the response that followed.
The political response
Months after calling for his resignation, House GOP leaders were scheduled to appear at a fundraiser for Bernstine.
Read reporting ↗The Beaver County Republican Party withdrew its endorsement after the videos. Bernstine apologized but refused to resign.
Read reporting ↗2020 video coverage and response
The university said the reported conduct did not reflect its values.
Read reporting ↗Reporting on the videos, calls for resignation, and Bernstine’s apology.
Read reporting ↗Television coverage of the videos and the response from legislative leaders.
Watch and read reporting ↗Coverage of demands from House Republican leadership and Bernstine’s public response.
Read reporting ↗Additional coverage from KDKA.
Read reporting ↗The initial report published by the Beaver County Times on videos involving Bernstine and children.
Read original reporting ↗Earlier coverage
Coverage of Bernstine’s controversial highway-protest post. He defended it as a matter of protecting his family.
Read reporting ↗