Allegheny County Director of Communications Abigail Gardner has been placed on administrative leave after comments she made directed toward KDKA Radio’s Colin Dunlap last Friday.
Last Friday, on Instagram Gardner suggested that the KDKA Radio host jump off a bridge, seemingly insinuating suicide.
“I made a tasteless comment out of frustration, and I apologize for my lapse in judgement,” Gardner said in a statement released by the county. “Suicide should not be a topic that is joked about or used to insult others. My comments were out of line, and I especially apologize to the employees of Allegheny County that I did not hold myself to a higher standard while representing the County.”
An interim spokesperson has been named, Allegheny County Police spokesman Jim Madalinsky.
Gardner is on “administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.”
Allegheny County also provided the following information about those experiencing mental health issues:
Allegheny County is committed to providing immediate resources to anyone in crisis. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 at any time or chat with a trained counselor at 988lifeline.org.
Additional mental health resources are available by visiting the Get Help Now page on the Allegheny County Department of Human Services website.
Colin reacts after the Allegheny County Communications Director for the Office of the County Executive posted a video on social media telling him to jump off a bridge. pic.twitter.com/KB0GmJcI81
— 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA (@KDKARadio) July 17, 2026
