Man charged over social media threats targeting Pennsylvania lawmakers

Adam G. Berryhill, a 42-year-old man from Lebanon County, has been charged by Pennsylvania State Police after investigators said he used an X account called “Pennsylvania Militia” to post a series of threats against Democratic lawmakers, according to a report.

According to court documents, the posts escalated over several weeks and included a so-called “hit list” naming elected officials. Investigators said the messages referenced armed conflict with police, described potential ambush tactics, and mentioned a planned “Memorial Day operation.”

State police began investigating on April 28 after a trooper assigned to protect Joanna McClinton discovered threatening posts directed at her and other members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Troopers said one April post stated that after exhausting legal options, the account owner would “start shootings,” followed by a list of 18 Democratic lawmakers. Investigators also found a photo posted in March showing an individual holding a rifle equipped with accessories, which they said suggested access to firearms or a significant interest in obtaining them.

Using search warrants and digital records, investigators linked the account to Berryhill through email addresses and phone numbers associated with two X accounts.

Police arrested Berryhill on May 6. He waived his preliminary hearing Thursday and remains in Lebanon County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail while the case moves forward.

In the affidavit, investigators wrote that the posts were “specific, targeted and directed toward identifiable public officials,” and reflected what they described as preparations for possible future violence.