Pennsylvania official resigns after mimicking Musk’s inauguration ‘salute’ in TikTok video
Pennsylvania official resigns after mimicking Musk’s inauguration ‘salute’ in TikTok video
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Pennsylvania official said the video was ‘greatly mischaracterized’ in her resignation statement. A local official in Towamencin Township, Pennsylvania resigned from her position on the board of supervisors after posting a TikTok video of herself repeating Elon Musk’s “salute.”.
![[Musk was also criticized for conducting the gesture but denied that it had anything to do with the Nazi salute]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/21/08/elon-musk-heil-salute-far-right.jpg)
“Just checking in on my friends who are struggling this week. My heart goes out to you. Hope you’re doing ok,” Smith, a Republican, said in the video. The “salute” has been widely condemned for having a similar movement to that of a Nazi salute.
However, given the controversy Musk’s gesture stirred, people condemned Smith for repeating it. Another board memeber, Kofi Osei, added: “I condemn this blantant antisemistism expressed by Laura Smith is no uncertain terms and believe she should apologize and resign.”.
But outrage continued through the weekend, leading Smith to resign from her position on the board of supervisors on Sunday. “I abhor racism, anti-Semitic or discrimination in any fashion or form and my record as a township supervisor attests to my commitment to treat all people with dignity and respect,” Smith said.
“Intentionally mocking constituents’ anxiety and concerns by using a gesture similar to a Nazi salute is not only unprofessional but also divisive,” Goretsky said. “Having public officials play attention-getting games with such a loaded symbol is utterly unacceptable, especially at this time of remembrance and reflection.”.
