Pennsylvania man arrested for antisemitic threats against Gov. Josh Shapiro

A Pennsylvania man has been arrested and charged with making antisemitic threats against Governor Josh Shapiro. Richard John Franklin, 65, allegedly used slurs and threatened arson at the governor's mansion while seeking assistance at the office of State Representative Leanne Kruger.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, Franklin made the threats during a visit to the district office. Troopers from the Political Violence Threat Unit later met with Franklin at his home, where he reportedly provided inconsistent accounts of the incident. Police stated Franklin admitted to using an antisemitic slur and bizarrely claimed his threats were "sympathetic" and "positive in nature," citing a previous arson attack on Shapiro's home.

Franklin was taken into custody and charged with terrorist threats, ethnic intimidation, harassment, and disorderly conduct. He is being held at Delaware County Prison on $100,000 bail and awaits a preliminary hearing. The incident highlights the persistent issue of hate speech and threats directed at public officials.

This arrest follows a previous arson attack on Governor Shapiro's home last year, which occurred while the governor and his family were celebrating Passover. The attacker in that incident reportedly cited Shapiro's stance on Palestine as motivation.