Security

Ross, Pennsylvania Chase ATM set ablaze for alleged anti-government protest

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October 3, 2025

A Pittsburg man Keith Coyne, 46 is being accused of arson after allegedly lighting a Chase ATM on fire in Ross Township, Pennsylvania. He told police that he did it to make a statement against the federal government, according to a report by WTAE.

Coyne allegedly covered the ATM in gasoline before lighting it on fire. Brian Kohlhepp, deputy chief of police for Ross Township, said that Coyne selected the location to get caught.

"He was upset with the federal government and viewed the banking industry as an arm of the government. And that decided that if he set this fire, it would make a statement. In fact, he wrote expletives, and kind of scribbled, signature on the gas can," Kohlhepp said in the report.

He added that Coyne selected the location due to its proximity to the fire station so that no one would get hurt.

"He felt that it would be very safe because it's away form the building. And then the firemen wouldn't get hurt as they are professionals."