A Pennsylvania man now sits behind bars after posting a chilling “hit list” on social media targeting 20 Democratic state lawmakers with violent threats, including references to shooting and a planned “Memorial Day Operation”—a stark reminder that radical political violence threatens our republic, regardless of which side perpetrates it.
Swift Arrest Follows Online Threats During Primary Season
Adam Berryhill, 42, from Lebanon County posted the threatening hit list on X in April 2026, naming 20 Democratic state lawmakers primarily from the Philadelphia area. The posts contained explicit threats of shooting, displayed a photograph of a firearm, and referenced a “Memorial Day Operation.” Pennsylvania State Police arrested Berryhill on May 6, 2026, after being immediately alerted to the posts. He was charged the following day in Lebanon County magisterial district court with one count of making a terroristic threat under Pennsylvania law.
High-Profile Democrats Named in Detailed Target List
The hit list specifically identified prominent Pennsylvania Democratic lawmakers including House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Representatives Chris Rabb, Sharif Street, Malcolm Kenyatta, Rick Krajewski, and 15 others. Most targets represent Philadelphia-area districts and several were involved in a contentious congressional primary race for Pennsylvania’s 3rd District at the time the threats surfaced. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Chris Caracino confirmed the law enforcement process worked effectively, stating “the individual is now behind bars.” Police coordinated with the Lebanon County District Attorney and security teams protecting the threatened officials to ensure their safety.
Pennsylvania man arrested for 'hit list' targeting 20 Democrats: police https://t.co/KNpMKFLwz7
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) May 13, 2026
Rural-Urban Divide Marks Threat Origin and Targets
The case highlights concerning geographical and political divisions, with threats originating from rural, conservative-leaning Lebanon County while targeting urban Philadelphia Democrats. Pennsylvania has experienced rising political threats since the 2020 election cycle, including doxxing and harassment of lawmakers. This incident fits broader national trends of online radicalization through social media platforms. State Police handled over 150 threat investigations in 2025 alone, and experts note a 300 percent rise in threats against public officials since 2020 nationwide.
Legal Proceedings and Security Response Continue
Berryhill remained in custody as of May 13, 2026, with no bail information disclosed publicly. His preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 14, 2026, before a magisterial district judge. Court records show no attorney listed for the defendant. While the charge is classified as a misdemeanor terroristic threat under Pennsylvania statute 18 Pa.C.S. § 2706, no trial date has been set. The case underscores ongoing concerns about social media platforms enabling escalation of political violence and may reinforce calls for stronger monitoring and accountability measures.
Platform Accountability and Free Speech Tensions Emerge
The incident reignites debates over social media platform responsibility versus free speech protections. Platforms like X enable both legitimate political discourse and potential radicalization when users escalate rhetoric into explicit threats. Law-abiding conservatives understand the critical distinction between robust political criticism—protected by the First Amendment—and credible violent threats that terrorize public servants and undermine civil society. This arrest demonstrates that law enforcement takes such threats seriously regardless of political motivation. The swift response prevents potential tragedy while respecting constitutional boundaries that separate protected speech from criminal conduct threatening public safety.