Deadly Meeting Rampage: 'Hope It Never Happens Here,' Says Salisbury Official

Salisbury Township Manager Randy Soriano says unless he builds a fortress at the municipal building, he'll never be able to stop a person with ill will from entering a township meeting.

That sentiment is on many minds following Monday night's deadly shooting at a Ross Township supervisors meeting, about 20 miles north of Easton.

Dave Fleetwood, a supervisor from neighboring Chestnuthill Township, and two residents were killed, according to the Pocono Record.

"Sure everyone's scared. Hopefully, it never happens here," Soriano said. "We're in the process of security upgrades here at the township building. But, state law says that anyone can bring a licensed firearm into any public meeting."

Self-described junk collector Rockne Newell, 59, has been fighting with township officials for years over his neglected property, where human feces were found in buckets in 2009, according to a Pocono Record report.

The gunman began shooting into the meeting room at 7:15 p.m. while 15-18 people were inside, WFMZ reports.

Pocono Record Reporter Chris Reber described hearing 10 shots and seeing plaster fly off the walls.

"You have to have some type of motive to go in and kill a supervisor," Soriano said. "It's a shame. It's the first thing I thought about. Who can protect someone from this type of behavior. Sadly, it's more prevalent now."

Salisbury Township does not post police officers on site during its bimonthly commissioners meetings. However, Salisbury Township Police Chief Allen Stiles does attend the majority of commissioners meetings.