State Police Admit Failure to Notify Lawmakers of Threats From Lebanon Man
Pennsylvania State Police admitted they failed to notify lawmakers about threats posted by a Lebanon County man who planned a “Memorial Day operation” to shoot them.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania State Police acknowledged a breakdown in their notification process after failing to alert state lawmakers that a Lebanon County man had posted threats to shoot them in what he called a “Memorial Day operation.”
Acting State Police Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens admitted the failure in a letter to General Assembly leaders last week, saying the agency handled the investigation properly but fell short in communicating the threats to affected legislators.
“While the investigation and threat mitigation were handled properly by PSP, a review of this matter reveals a breakdown in the notification process that should have occurred to the affected legislators,” Bivens wrote in the letter.
Suspect Remains in Custody
Adam George Berryhill, 42, of Lebanon was arrested May 7 and charged with a single misdemeanor count of making terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another. He waived a preliminary hearing Thursday and remains in Lebanon County Prison under $250,000 bail, according to court records.
Some lawmakers said they only learned about the threats when they received routine notification that a suspect had been arrested and was scheduled to appear in court. The delayed communication left legislators unaware of potential dangers they faced.
New Security Measures Announced
In response to the breakdown, Bivens said the agency is implementing changes to ensure proper communication occurs during future threat situations. The state police will establish a new Political Violence Threat Unit specifically responsible for investigating and addressing growing ideologically motivated violence against elected officials.
The admission comes nearly a year after a high-profile attack on Governor Josh Shapiro and his family. In April 2025, Shapiro, his family and friends were victims of an arson attack on the governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, where they were sleeping after celebrating the first night of Passover.
Cody Balmer, 39, of Harrisburg is serving 25 to 50 years in state prison for that attack after pleading guilty to attempted murder and terrorism charges.
The recent breakdown in notification procedures highlights ongoing security challenges facing Pennsylvania’s elected officials and the need for improved coordination between law enforcement agencies and legislative leadership when threats emerge.
