The Real Cost of a Political Lie: Sean McMahon calls for accountability as a politically charged, AI-generated video spreads a false narrative about his brother’s tragic death and Josh Prince’s involvement

There are moments that define a person—not in comfort, not in front of cameras, but in crisis.

One of those moments arose for me in 2019. And while some now purposely twist that day for political gain – through an AI-generated video and voiceover being shared through a fake Facebook account – I want you to hear the truth directly from me.

I was invited to speak on Pennsylvania’s Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws at a training hosted by Rockwell Tactical. When I arrived, I was asked to participate as a role-player in a tactical training event because they were short-handed. Only non-lethal simunition training tools were supposed to be used.

But in an instant, that changed. A fellow role-player mistakenly brought a live firearm into the scenario, and a man was critically injured.

Unlike the lie the video asserts – 

I was not in charge of the training.

I was not armed.

I was not responsible for the safety protocols that failed.

But I was there.

And in that moment, I did what needed to be done.

While not an EMT, I am trained in MARCH protocol to handle critical trauma situations. Despite his massive blood loss, I rendered immediate, life-saving aid, along with the instructor. I never gave up on him. I stayed with the victim until emergency responders arrived. I stayed because that’s what we owe one another when everything is on the line. He survived because of the life-saving medical intervention he received that day. Though not without hardship, he lived four more years surrounded by the love and support of his family.

It was one of the most devastating days of my life, and I still carry that burden closely. 

Lawsuits followed, as they often do. I was named in one, alongside others, including even the landlord of the property where the training took place, who wasn’t even there that day… Despite a thorough, extensive investigation, as there should be in a horrifying situation like this, there was never a finding of fault against me, nor could there be. I never ran from what happened.

As part of my PaGOP Judicial Evaluation, I was asked if there were any personal incidents in my past that potentially could be used against me if they came to light. I answered honestly, as I did in 2023, and once again, openly disclosed the incident. Additionally, I answered all follow-up questions from members of the Republican State Committee during the endorsement process. I answered without hesitation. Unlike my opponent, I openly volunteered the truth about my past—because that’s what the people of Pennsylvania deserve.

Some have now chosen to use that day to imply my alleged recklessness or guilt. They’ve used phrases like “ignored basic safety protocols”—as if being present and helping save a life makes me culpable.

That is not only false—it’s disgraceful and sick.

Before he passed away, the injured man said that he did not believe I was at fault, and assured me that the legal action was filed only on the advice of counsel to access insurance support. 

Out of respect for human dignity and to shield the family from further spotlight, I’ve refrained from speaking publicly about the incident. I rendered life-saving aid—as anyone with my training would have—not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. The Deep State within the Party, however, has chosen to politically weaponize this tragedy, showing no regard for the harm their purposeful actions would and have caused.

Recently, Southwest Caucus Chair Jackie Kulback chose to post, in numerous political chat groups, false and misleading information about the incident without concern for the family. Yes, this is the same Jackie Kulback who state committee members have publicly confirmed bribed and threatened them in relation to the Pa GOP’s endorsement vote this cycle. Coincidently, within a day of her doing so, a fake Facebook account was implemented (seemingly using a real person’s name and background from the Pittsburgh area, but using a Getty Images stock photo for the profile photo) to begin disseminating the video. Interestingly, Ms. Kulback’s right-hand man and former State Committee member Mike McMullen was the first to share it, not once, but twice, in short order. Notably, several photos posted on the fake Facebook account matched images from McMullen’s own profile: altered photos of me, stamped with the words, “Unfit for Justice.” Shortly after McMullen shared the video originally posted on the fake account, it was shared by Fayette Republicans Unite, which, per the description of the page, is run by State Committee members Melany and Gregroy Chrash.

Most egregiously, the false and malicious posts and video have made their way back to the family, causing devastating pain not previously experienced. Out of respect for the family, I will not be sharing the link to the video or screenshots of the Facebook posts. 

Hurt and outraged by what is being spread, the brother of the man who was shot issued the following statement:

Anyone with a conscience would have known that merely mentioning this tragedy would rip open the wounds of a grieving family—let alone crafting and spreading lies about what happened solely for political purposes.

What kind of sick and demented people would recklessly, if not knowingly, cause that kind of pain just to score political points?

There’s no justification for it.

The family deserves both an apology and restitution.

Because I love and value life—and, like so many others who have lived through similar tragic moments—the devastation of that day has never left me.

Now, the family’s pain has been amplified to a level never before experienced.

Some lines should never be crossed.

This was one of them.

Consistent with the family’s request, I call upon Chairman Greg Rothman, the Pa GOP, and my opponent, Matthew Wolford, to immediately denounce these actions and demand the posts and video be removed. It is truly sad that such has to be mentioned and hasn’t already been done… Some truly have character, morals, and integrity, and others don’t…

Additionally, given the election interference that is occurring, as well as, other likely state and federal criminal offenses, I will be providing the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation with additional information and evidence for their investigations. 

Regardless of the outcome of my candidacy, I assure you that I will ensure that Justice is served and all of those responsible are held accountable. 

In the interim, the People of Pennsylvania have a decision to make. Are these actions that you condone? Do you support political parties, individuals, and candidates who do not denounce such false and misleading statements? What does this say about the state of the Pennsylvania Republican Party?

These are all things to consider when casting your vote on May 20th.

Yours in Truth, Liberty, and Justice,
Joshua Prince, Esq.
Candidate for Commonwealth Court