Pittsburgh Mayor Speaks to Students Amid Scanner Threat Probe

Corey O'Connor addresses hate, safety concerns after recent threats over police scanner channels

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor spoke to students at the Eradicate Hate Summit at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, addressing recent threats made against him over local police scanner channels. The threats, which left the mayor's 2-year-old son feeling unsafe, are still under investigation by authorities. O'Connor emphasized the need to come together as a community and have open discussions about differing views, rather than resorting to violence or intimidation against elected officials.

Why it matters

Threats against public officials, especially those made over emergency communication channels, raise serious concerns about public safety and the ability of leaders to effectively serve their communities. This incident is part of a broader trend of increasing threats and attacks targeting mayors across the U.S., which the U.S. Conference of Mayors has expressed growing alarm over.

The details

In the past two weeks, there have been threats and attacks against mayors in cities across the country, including in Pittsburgh against Mayor Corey O'Connor. The threats came over local first responder scanner channels for multiple days last week, leaving the mayor's young son scared. Police are still investigating the source of the threats, but no new incidents have been reported since last Wednesday. This past weekend, two Pennsylvania men were also charged in connection with an explosive attack outside the home of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

  • In the past two weeks, there have been threats and attacks against mayors in cities across the country.
  • Threats came over local first responder scanner channels for multiple days last week.
  • No new threats have been reported since last Wednesday.

The players

Corey O'Connor

The mayor of Pittsburgh who spoke at the Eradicate Hate Summit and whose family was impacted by the recent scanner threats.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who was the target of an explosive attack outside his home this past weekend.

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What they’re saying

“Then, that's scary for all of us, that kids at the age of two are starting to feel unsafe.”

— Corey O'Connor, Mayor of Pittsburgh (cbsnews.com)

“New York City will never tolerate violence, whether from protests or counterprotests.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Police are still investigating the source of the threats made over the police scanner channels in Pittsburgh, and leaders are working to establish protocols to prevent further such incidents.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of violence and intimidation targeting public officials, which can have a chilling effect on civic engagement and democratic processes. It underscores the need for stronger protections and protocols to ensure the safety of elected leaders and their families, as well as the importance of fostering open and respectful dialogue within communities.