Delco Man Threatened Gov. Shapiro With Arson, Made Antisemitic Slur: Police

BROOKHAVEN, PA — A man was arrested after authorities say he threatened Gov. Josh Shapiro at a state legislator's office this week in Delaware County.

Richard John Franklin went to State Rep. Leanne Krueger's office in Brookhaven on Tuesday to discuss his outstanding taxes, according to State Police.

While talking to a staff member, Franklin used an antisemitic slur and threatened to burn down the Governor's Residence, police said. Gov. Shapiro is Jewish.

Franklin's threat was reported to State Police, which sent members of its Political Violence Threat Unit to his house on Wednesday.

The suspect gave inconsistent accounts about what happened at the 161st District Office. He also claimed his statement about the Governor's Residence was sympathetic because Gov. Shapiro and his family survived a prior arson.

On the first night of Passover last year, the Governor's Residence was set ablaze in an assassination attempt against Gov. Shapiro. The governor's family was inside, as well.

Franklin, 65, of Brookhaven, was arrested without incident and charged with:

• terroristic threats (third-degree felony)
• ethnic intimidation (third-degree felony)
• threats and other improper influence in official and political matters (misdemeanor)
• harassment (misdemeanor)
• disorderly conduct

Franklin posted his $10,000 cash bail on Thursday. He's set to return to court July 16 for a preliminary hearing.

An attorney contact for Franklin wasn't immediately available in online court records.

In May, Pennsylvania State Police launched its Political Violence Threat Unit, which investigates threats against elected officials.

"PSP takes threats against the lives of public officials seriously," said Sgt. Logan Brouse, a State Police spokesperson. "That's why the department has formed a dedicated unit to address the growing amount of ideologically motivated violence against elected officials."