Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, is pictured with Gov. Josh Shapiro during a recent event in Pittsburgh. McClinton was recently among the Democratic Party lawmakers who were the targets of threats that landed a Lebanon, Pa., man in jail while Shapiro was the target of a 2025 arson attack at the governor’s mansion.

State lawmakers are again condemning political violence after a Lebanon, Pa., man was jailed after making threats toward several state Democratic Party lawmakers in leadership positions.

The State Police at Jonestown have charged Adam G. Berryhill, 42, of Lebanon, Pa., with terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another after Berryhill allegedly posted a threat on his X account on April 7 and again April 22 threatening several legislative Democrats, including Ben Sanchez, Jordan Harris, Rick Krajewski, Malcolm Kenyatta, Danilo Burgos, Chris Rabb, Joe Hohenstein, Mary Isaacson, Emily Kinkead, Lindsey Williamsm, Steve Santarsiero, Amanda Cappelletti, Marie Collett, Sharif Street Judy Schwank, John Kane, Tim Briggs, Joanna McClinton, Morgan Cephas and Katie Muth. Berryhill’s X posts mention Memorial Day as a possible date for an “operation.”

According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, the investigation began when a State Trooper who is part of the Dignitary Security Section was alerted to several concerning social media posts involving McClinton, to whom the trooper is assigned.

“Oh you like posting hit lists?” Berryhill allegedly posted on X on April 22. “Here’s mine … Tim Briggs (D), Joanna McClinton (D), Morgan Cephas (D), Malcolm Kenyatta (D). All gun grabbing communists!”

A post two days later referenced Cody Ballmer, who pleaded guilty in 2025 to an arson at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion. Balmer pleaded guilty in 2025 to attempted murder charges as well as guilty pleas to terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault, 21 counts of reckless endangerment and loitering in the April 13 attack that caused millions of dollars in damage to the state-owned brick building. Under a plea deal, Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison, far less than he could have faced if the case went to trial.

According to the State Police, Berryhill is prohibited from possessing firearms after a 2019 involuntary commitment. The four-page affidavit details the State Police investigation into Berryhill, which included reviews of his public social media postings that showed Berryhill had been in possession of a firearm in a photo he allegedly posted on X.

“Your affiant further declares that Berryhill’s posts demonstrate a pattern of behavior consistent with preparation fr violence, including dissemination of tactical guidance for engaging law enforcement, discussion of ambush-style tactics, and encouragement of armed conflict against government entities,” the affidavit states. “The cumulative nature of Berryhill’s communications – naming specific targets, expressing willingness to engage in lethal violence, referencing prior acts of political violence and outlining tactical methods demonstrates both intent and capability to carry out such threats, causing serious harm.”

McClinton, Senate Majority Leader Matt Bradford, Republican Leader Jesse Topper and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issued a joint statement after the charges against Berryhill were announced reiterating statements state lawmakers issued after the 2025 arson at Shapiro’s residence.

“These threats are extremely disturbing, not just to the members identified, but to all public figures who are contending with an increasingly hostile environment,” the lawmakers said in their statement. “As leaders of the General Assembly, we know that disagreement and debate are features of a healthy democracy. Threats of violence and harm are not. We condemn any threat against any of our colleagues who are faithfully serving their communities and pledge to support mental health care, intervention, and law enforcement funding that make our state safer. The threats are a symptom of a greater sickness in our democracy. The escalation of political violence has reached an astounding level, impacting elected officials from school boards to the president of the United States. Pennsylvania has not been immune to that violence. As Pennsylvanians we can’t and won’t allow political violence to become commonplace in our commonwealth. We won’t allow it to discourage good people from becoming involved in their communities and seeking public office. We won’t accept it as the consequence of public service.”

Senate Republican leadership issued their own statement. Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward and Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman said safety procedures are being discussed in the wake of the way the investigation into Berryhill was handled.

“It is past time to set aside the extremism of a mindset of violence against those who serve the rule of law. With public officials facing increased threats both in Pennsylvania and across the nation, they must always be on high alert,” Ward and Pittman said. “The safety of our members is our top priority and thankfully everyone is unharmed, but there were delays in communicating the threats to targeted legislators. As a result, the communication processes between the Pennsylvania State Police and the Sergeants-at-Arms in the House and Senate chambers are currently under review and being updated to ensure legislators are immediately contacted and made aware of any threat as we would have expected to have occurred.”

Defense attorney Bryan Walk said Balmer “is taking full responsibility” and paying “a hefty price for a man who’s 38 years old.”