A Scranton man has admitted guilt to charges stemming from an incident where he pointed a loaded handgun at demonstrators during a political rally in Wilkes-Barre last fall. Michael Paul Kolarik, 52, entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor counts of simple assault and disorderly conduct during a hearing on February 27 before Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas.
The charges follow an October 18, 2025, incident during a "No Kings" rally on Public Square, where protesters gathered to oppose the policies of then-President Donald Trump. According to court documents, Kolarik was driving a doorless red Jeep Wrangler adorned with political flags when he stopped and pointed a Smith & Wesson pistol at two women, ages 67 and 68. One witness reported seeing Kolarik's finger on the trigger, leaving her "shaking and afraid for her life."
Police stopped Kolarik shortly after the confrontation and recovered two loaded handguns from his vehicle. While he was initially charged with terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person, those charges were addressed through the plea agreement to the lesser misdemeanors. Kolarik remains free on bail pending his sentencing, which is scheduled for April 29.
