State police say Adam Berryhill, from Lebanon, posted a hitlist on social media, naming 20 Democratic lawmakers.
A Lebanon County man is charged with making terroristic threats and accused of creating a hit list of 20 Democrats, many from the Philadelphia region.
On it, state police say he posted, "I can't wait for Memorial Day Operation.
" His thread also displayed guns, and he called local politicians gun-grabbing communists. His alleged hit list included State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta of North Philadelphia.
"I'll tell you to a certain degree, not that much shock. You know this is not the first time I've been the victim of threats," Kenyatta told Action News. State police say among the other local Democrats named by Berryhill are congressional candidates Sharif Street, Chris Raab, and others, like State Representative Morgan Cephas. A routine investigation by the state police detail assigned to State House Speaker Joanna McClinton led to the discovery of the alleged terroristic threats.
"It's not about being a Democrat or Republican or an independent, this is about American belief, that in America, Philadelphia, where it all started, that you get to say you believe without any threat of violence," Kenyatta added. Court records say Berryhill also criticized Republicans. In another post, he said they need to stop whining and claimed the only solution is war. Charging documents say Berryhill has been involuntarily committed in the past and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
"It's deeply uncomfortable for anybody to be doing a job just serving your neighbors. You did not sign up to be in the crosshairs of someone who is unhinged and violent," Kenyatta said from his North Philadelphia district offices. Calls to his public defender have not been returned.
"Today, I spoke with Speaker McClinton and Leader Costa about the terroristic threats made against members of their caucuses in the State Legislature. I told them that while these threats of political violence seek to intimidate and silence, my administration will continue to do everything in our power to keep them safe and ensure their members can continue to make their voices heard as the people's elected representatives.
We are experiencing a dangerous rise in threats of political violence across the Commonwealth and I appreciate the quick action of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Lebanon County District Attorney to charge and arrest the perpetrator. It is also clear a better process is necessary to notify elected officials directly when these threats are made. Lt.
Colonel Bivens has spoken extensively with House and Senate leadership and their teams, and the Pennsylvania State Police have instituted a new process to notify members of the General Assembly immediately and directly of any and all threats of violence against them. It is on all of us to combat hate speech and political violence, and I call on all of my fellow Pennsylvanians and fellow leaders to stand up against this dangerous rising tide of violence we are seeing across our country. "
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