Less than 24 hours after allegations surfaced that state Rep. Brian Ellis, R-11th, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Harrisburg in 2015, his caucus' leadership called for his resignation.

But several of his fellow Butler County representatives have questioned the move, calling it hasty.

“House Republican leaders are recommending Rep. Brian Ellis resign from office to take care of his family and address the allegations raised against him that are currently the subject of a criminal investigation by the Dauphin County District Attorney,” the party wrote in a prepared statement. “The House Republican Caucus has zero tolerance for any instance of sexual violence or harassment.”

Gov. Tom Wolf also called for Ellis' resignation on Friday.

“The allegations against Rep. Ellis are outrageous and unacceptable,” Wolf's spokesman, J.J. Abbott wrote in an email. “We stand with the survivor whose decision to come forward and seek justice is courageous. Gov. Wolf believes Rep. Ellis should resign.”

Ellis, who lives in Butler Township, has also been stripped of a committee chairmanship by the GOP leadership.

With no official charges brought against Ellis, state officials representing Butler County urged the party to withhold judgment until more facts become revealed.

“I would sincerely hope that he would have an opportunity to defend his name, which is what I feel is missing in this MeToo moment,” said Rep. Jeff Pyle, R-60th, who represents part of Butler County.

Pyle said the leadership shouldn't “just bail out.”

“Everyone should have their day in court,” Pyle said. “That's the American way.”

In a prepared statement, Rep. James Marshall, R-14th, also noted that the case should play out in court first.

“I was shocked to learn about these very serious allegations. The situation should be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement, and I understand the district attorney has assured the public his office is doing just that,” Marshall, whose district encompasses the area around Evans City and Zelienople, wrote in the statement. “Our justice system will render a verdict, and we should all respect the process and the verdict.

Rep. Lee James, R-64th, wondered why the leadership moved so quickly against Ellis.

“What happened to innocent until proven guilty?” James said. “Everyone seems to be moving against him. At this point, I'm neutral. I'm part of the rank and file, not the leadership. Like you, I'm just watching from the sidelines.”

If Ellis was to heed the leadership's recommendation and resign, it's unclear what local Republican would run to replace him. Al Lindsay, chairman of the Butler County Republican Party, couldn't say who would run.

“Any allegation deserves investigation,” Lindsay said of the case. “But that doesn't mean anything occurred.”

Lindsay cautioned against a hasty conclusion. “We often find our initial impression wrong,” he noted.

The rest of the leadership's prepared statement is below.

“Given the allegations, we have also been in contact with Capitol Police and House Security, and under direction of House leadership, are instituting additional safety and security measures.

“The complainant deserves to have her allegations of criminal activity thoroughly investigated by police and prosecutors.

“As elected leaders, we are focused on the integrity of the institution, the safety of Capitol staff and members, and the best paths forward for the individuals involved — the accuser and the accused as well as their respective families. It would be in the best interest of all involved if Rep. Ellis would resign.”