Authorities in Pennsylvania have arrested and charged a suspect in the fatal stabbing of a state trooper on a sidewalk near Pittsburgh on Monday.
Anthony Quesen, a 25-year-old homeless man who also goes by the name Antonia Kasseim, has been charged with criminal homicide and is scheduled to be arraigned on November 1st.
The arrest was made after the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call just before 3 p.m. Monday about a man injured on Montour Trail.
Upon arrival, first responders found a 44-year-old man (later identified as Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Enforcement Officer Benjamin Bralier) with a “stab wound.” Authorities transported Bralier to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said in a press release.
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Anthony Quesen, a 25-year-old homeless man who also goes by the name Antonia Kasseim, has been charged with criminal homicide and is scheduled to be arraigned on November 1st. (Allegheny County Jail)
Bralier was a husband and father of two daughters, according to a GoFundMe for his family titled “Loss in the Family.”
Benjamin Bralier is pictured with his family. A former Pennsylvania State Police liquor enforcement officer, he was off-duty when he was killed on October 21, 2024. (GoFundMe)
Allegheny County Legislator and Republican Party Chairman Sam DeMarco issued a press release after Mr. Quesen's arrest, saying that Pittsburgh Judge Xander Orenstein will release Mr. Quesen free of charge in 2023 after his arrest for robbery at a state park. He pointed out that he was released on bail.
Kesen was known as “Antonia Kasseim'' at the time.
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Anthony Quesen was arrested in 2023 under the name “Antonia Kasseim”. (Facebook)
According to Allegheny County court documents, “Kasseim,” identified in public records as a man, faces charges of robbery, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and walking on foot in connection with a 2023 incident. He was previously charged with evading arrest, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.
“This is not a random mistake. It's a pattern.”
“Mr. Orenstein has released other dangerous suspects without bail in the past, and now he has taken the life of a law enforcement officer,” DeMarco said in a statement Tuesday.
Benjamin Bralier was stabbed to death Monday while running on a sidewalk in broad daylight. (Instagram/PA State Police)
DeMarco went on to call for Orenstein's resignation or for the judge to be impeached by the state Legislature.
Orenstein could not be reached for comment. He referred questions to court administrators, and court spokesman Joseph Asturi also had no comment. CBS News reported.
The Allegheny County Police Department said in a statement that Mr. Bralier was “very dedicated to his duties at BLCE” and that his law enforcement colleagues “served as an advisor to Allegheny County Camp Cadets. “I have known Ben for many years through his selfless community service at countless events.” , drinking coffee at a police event, eating donuts with veterans, serving hot dogs to CMU students, wrapping toys for children in need, and running 5 kilometers through the tunnel to the Towers. , the list is endless. ”
“Ben always showed up and gave his all. This man had a heart of gold and his death will be felt throughout the community.”
Allegheny County District Attorney Michelle Henry released a statement Tuesday saying, “I am heartbroken to learn of the senseless off-duty death of PSP Liquor Enforcement Officer Benjamin Bralier, who was murdered yesterday in Allegheny County.” .
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Colleagues in law enforcement “knew Ben for his selfless community service at countless events.” (Allegheny County Camp Cadet)
“Our nation's police officers put their lives on the line every day, and we want them to return home safely to their families. Tragically, Officer Bralier was killed while walking on a nature trail.” Henry said. “Our hearts go out to Officer Bralier's loved ones and colleagues.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the alleged attack to contact the county police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. (Facebook)
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Police are asking anyone with information about the alleged attack to contact the county police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
