Lebanon Man Charged with Threatening to Shoot Pennsylvania Lawmakers
Lebanon County man arrested for posting social media threats to shoot 20 Democratic state lawmakers including House Speaker McClinton.
LEBANON, PENNSYLVANIA — A Lebanon County man faces terroristic threat charges after state police say he posted social media messages threatening to shoot 20 Democratic Pennsylvania lawmakers, including House Speaker Joanna McClinton.
Adam George Berryhill, 42, of Lebanon, was arrested May 7 and jailed under $250,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in district court Thursday for a preliminary hearing on a single misdemeanor charge of terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another, according to court records.
The investigation began last month when McClinton’s state police security officer became aware of several concerning social media posts involving threats against her and other lawmakers, according to charging documents.
Social Media Posts Detail Threats
Police traced several threatening posts to an X account belonging to Berryhill. One post from April 22 read, “Oh you like posting hit lists? Here’s mine bitches.” The post named McClinton along with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Briggs, Government Oversight Committee Chairwoman Morgan Cephas and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, all Democrats.
“All gun grabbing communists!” the post concluded, according to the charging document.
A second post from April 24 referenced Cody Ballmer, who was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison for his arson attack on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence in April 2025. The attack occurred while Shapiro and his family and friends slept after celebrating the first night of Passover.
Calls for Violence Against Government
The April 24 post escalated the threatening language, stating: “Conservatives need to stop bitching and whining on this platform. The solution I have is war. We are already at [war] with a socialist government because the government has declared it first. Learn the law and know when it’s your God given right to kill your authorities.”
State police began their investigation after becoming aware of multiple posts targeting Democratic lawmakers across Pennsylvania. The threats come amid heightened security concerns for elected officials following previous attacks on government facilities and officials.
A spokesperson for McClinton declined to comment about the case, which was first reported Wednesday by SpotlightPA. The House Speaker has been among the most prominent targets named in Berryhill’s alleged threats.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Berryhill remains in custody on the substantial bail amount as prosecutors prepare for Thursday’s preliminary hearing. The terroristic threats charge carries potential penalties including fines and imprisonment if he is convicted.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about threats against elected officials, particularly following high-profile incidents like the arson attack on the governor’s residence last year. State police continue to investigate whether additional charges may be filed as the case proceeds through the court system.
Court records show this is Berryhill’s first known charge related to threatening public officials, though the investigation into his social media activity may reveal additional concerning posts or behavior patterns.
