Hateful Messages Broadcast Over Pittsburgh EMS Radios

Authorities struggle to stop racist and pro-Nazi messages on emergency channels for third day.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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For the third straight day, an unidentified individual has been broadcasting hateful messages, including racist language and pro-Nazi content, over Pittsburgh's emergency medical services radio frequencies. Allegheny County and Pittsburgh public safety officials have stated their equipment is not being used and have asked the Federal Communications Commission to assist in the investigation.

Why it matters

The repeated disruption of emergency communications channels raises serious concerns about public safety and the ability of first responders to effectively coordinate during critical situations. Authorities are working to identify the source and stop the hateful messages, which appear to be an intentional effort to sow discord in the community.

The details

On Monday, the messages allegedly included pro-Nazi content and a death threat against the Pittsburgh mayor. The latest incident on Wednesday morning featured an unidentified man cursing and using racist language for about 30 seconds on a local EMS frequency. County and city officials have stated their own equipment is not being used in the broadcasts and have asked the FCC to help investigate the source.

  • On Monday, pro-Nazi messages and a death threat were allegedly sent over the EMS radios.
  • On Wednesday morning, an unidentified man broadcast hateful messages for about 30 seconds.

The players

Allegheny County

The county where Pittsburgh is located, whose public safety officials have stated their equipment is not being used for the hateful broadcasts.

Pittsburgh

The city where the hateful messages have been transmitted over the emergency radio frequencies.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The federal agency that Allegheny County and Pittsburgh officials have asked to assist in investigating the source of the hateful messages.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage public safety communications in Pittsburgh.”

— Allegheny County Official

What’s next

The FCC has pledged to work closely with local authorities to identify the source of the hateful messages and put a stop to the disruption of Pittsburgh's emergency communications channels.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of securing critical public safety infrastructure against malicious actors seeking to undermine emergency response capabilities and sow discord in the community. Authorities are committed to finding the perpetrator and restoring the integrity of Pittsburgh's EMS radio system.