Ambler Tax Collector Jennifer Stomsky made comments pointed at her own Democratic Party after the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk.
One expert says situations like this have been unfolding across the country.
"Obviously America is polarized, probably more polarized than any time in my lifetime," said Chris Satullo, director of the "Can we Talk?" program, which is operated by the non-partisan, nonprofit Committee of 70.
America has seen political tensions escalate by violent acts, but speaking in the aftermath of those acts can have its own political consequences.
Stomsky's now-deleted post calls on people in her own Democratic party to "get a expletive spine."
The post went on to say, "I'm so tired of being told that violence isn't the answer.... History is filled with blood."
Replying to a commenter on her post, Stomsky wrote, "Let's make some more martyrs."
"I think when people start thinking about that, you turn democracy into the Hatfields and the McCoys," said Chris Satullo, who adds comments like those can spread quickly in the age of social media.
"The risk is higher, the velocity of reaction is higher, and the inability of other people to just live with disagreeing is just much lower," he said.
Stomsky has since apologized, saying on Facebook: "I recognize that my words were not only hurtful, but they fell far short of the standards I hold myself to and that this community deserves."
While she still holds her job as Ambler's tax collector -- an elected position -- she has stepped down from her position as vice chair for Area 14 Wissahickon Democrats.
Satullo says situations like this have become more common in the wake of Kirk's murder, especially as some look back on the viewpoints Kirk expressed.
"It's a very polarizing form of political engagement, which is very dismissive of people on the other side," he said.
Satullo has written about a number of instances in which people have been fired or punished for various comments on Kirk's murder.
"We're getting into a cycle of punitive action," he said.
He hopes what it really leads to is conversation.
"I think we need to step away from the rink and think about what we're doing," he said.
Action News communicated with the Ambler Borough Council President, Glynnis Siskind. She said that the borough doesn't control what elected officials post on their personal social media pages.
"The individual opinions that Ambler Borough's elected officials may share on their personal social media pages do not necessarily reflect those of Ambler Borough Council or Ambler Borough," Siskind wrote. "Ms. Stomsky's recent posts/comments do not reflect those of Council, and we are glad to see that she has posted an apology and taken some corrective action. The Tax Collector in Ambler is elected by the public and Borough Council has no legal authority to remove any elected official from office."
Ambler Mayor Jeanne Sorg sent the following statement to Action News:
Political violence and those who advocate it are an anathema to our nation's values and to the rule of law. Any public official who irresponsibly makes comments advocating violence and those who support it should resign their offices immediately.
Every elected official in Ambler has a duty to serve all residents with fairness, dignity, and respect. No one who encourages violence against political opponents can credibly continue in office.
Free speech does not extend to the use of public authority to promote or encourage criminal behavior. We must be crystal clear: this is never acceptable.
To the residents of Ambler, I want to be equally clear: as your Mayor I stand against any suggestion of political violence. The safety of our community is, and will always remain, my top priority. I have spoken with our Chief of Police to ensure officers remain vigilant and alert in protecting our residents.
I deeply regret that our town borough must confront this situation. But I cannot reconcile such comments with my sense of justice, nor with the trust our residents place in their public officials.