Full Breakdown
Lebanon County Man Arrested for Terroristic Threats Against 20 Pennsylvania Democratic Lawmakers
5/13/2026, 8:41:52 AM
Arrest and Alleged Threats
On May 6, 2026, Adam G. Berryhill, 42, of Lebanon County, was taken into custody by Pennsylvania State Police and charged the next day with one count of making a terroristic threat intended to terrorize. Investigators say Berryhill posted a series of messages on X in late April that displayed a firearm, referenced a “Memorial Day Operation,” and listed twenty Democratic legislators as targets.
Context and Prior Violence
Political intimidation has risen in the Commonwealth. Governor Josh Shapiro survived a break-in and arson attack on the governor’s residence in 2025. Berryhill’s own record includes a 2016 conviction on three terroristic-threat counts and three simple-assault counts, plus earlier misdemeanor pleas for drug possession and receiving stolen property.
Targeted Lawmakers
State Police identified twenty Democratic members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly as the subjects of the alleged “hit list.” The list includes House Speaker Joanna McClinton, State Senator Sharif Street, Representatives Chris Rabb, Malcolm Kenyatta, and Senator Katie Muth, along with other officials from Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
Official Reactions
State Police spokesperson Chris Caracino said the investigative process “worked as it should” and that Berryhill is now behind bars. Sergeant-at-arms liaison Logan Brouse noted his office is responsible for notifying legislators, though he could not confirm the timing of any alert. Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa called the episode a “clear communication breakdown” and pledged to review security protocols. Rep. Emily Kinkead said the caucus is handling the matter internally and that she learned of the threats through an email from House legal counsel. Several lawmakers, including Senator Muth and Rep. Kenyatta, expressed alarm that they were not warned earlier.
Conflicting Reports on Notification
Sources differ on how the legislators were alerted. While the sergeant-at-arms office is formally tasked with notifications, Rep. Kinkead reported receiving an email from legal counsel, and some members only learned of the allegations after a court-issued victim notice arrived. State Police have not disclosed whether they directly informed the sergeant-at-arms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t have any idea why we weren’t notified prior,” — Katie Muth, State Senator
- “It just would have been nice to know … I feel like it’s a failure of protocol.’” — Jay Costa, Senate Minority Leader
- “Threats, intimidation, and violence have no place in our politics,” — Malcolm Kenyatta, State Representative
- “Look how full my hands are. Who are these people? They don't represent Pennsylvania. They are communist infiltrators. I'll have write up an operation for each one and file Mandamus with the Commonwealth Court. I'll approach every legal avenue and when they all fail I start shootings,” — Adam G. Berryhill, X post
Next Steps
Berryhill is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before a Lebanon County magistrate on Thursday. Lawmakers and security officials say they will review communication and protection protocols, though no specific heightened security measures have been announced.
