Authorities arrested a Lebanon County man accused of posting an online hit list aimed directly at 20 Democratic members of the Pennsylvania House.
Adam G. Berryhill, 42, faces one count of terroristic threats after Pennsylvania State Police say he shared the list on the social media platform X. The posts named specific lawmakers and included references to a Memorial Day operation along with images of a camouflaged firearm.
Police took Berryhill into custody on May 6. He is now held at Lebanon County Prison under $250,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for May 15.
The criminal complaint describes the statements as specific and targeted rather than vague or isolated. Investigators noted that Berryhill listed identifiable public officials by name, including House Speaker Joanna McClinton and other members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Each entry on the list corresponded to a sitting Democratic legislator. The posts appeared in a single thread that referenced upcoming dates and displayed what police described as a firearm in camouflage pattern.
State police reviewed the account activity and confirmed the posts originated from Berryhill. Officers executed an arrest warrant at his Lebanon County residence without incident.
The complaint states that the language went beyond general political commentary. It explicitly referenced a Memorial Day operation directed at the named individuals.
Berryhill appeared before a magisterial district judge for arraignment. He did not enter a plea at the initial proceeding and was returned to the county prison.
House Speaker Joanna McClinton was among the 20 legislators named. Capitol security officials were notified immediately after the posts were reported to authorities.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Adam Kisthardt said investigators treated the material as a credible threat because of the specific names, dates, and imagery involved. Additional details from the account were examined for any further plans.
The case has prompted reviews of security protocols for state legislators. Lawmakers in both parties have increased coordination with Capitol Police in recent months amid similar online incidents.
Berryhill has no prior criminal record in Lebanon County court records. Investigators are still examining whether the account had other followers or direct messages related to the list.
The terroristic threats charge under Pennsylvania law carries potential penalties of up to five years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors must show intent to terrorize or cause fear of imminent harm.
ABC News reported that the list contained exactly 20 names, all Democratic members of the state House. No Republican legislators appeared on the document.
NBC Philadelphia obtained copies of the X posts showing timestamps from early May. The thread remained visible for several hours before the account was suspended.
Spotlight PA reviewed the full police affidavit, which included screenshots and metadata linking the posts to Berryhill. The reporting confirmed the $250,000 bail amount set by the court.
Legislative staff members described heightened anxiety inside the Capitol complex following the arrest. Extra patrols were assigned around the chamber and district offices.
The preliminary hearing on May 15 will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. Prosecutors are expected to present the original posts and police analysis at that proceeding.
Berryhill remains in custody. His attorney has not yet issued a public statement regarding the charges.
Political violence threats against state officials have increased in frequency since 2020, according to tracking by the U.S. Capitol Police. Pennsylvania has recorded multiple similar cases in the past two election cycles.
State officials continue to monitor social media for additional threats. Any new posts referencing the same legislators or dates will be forwarded to investigators immediately.
The arrest concludes the initial phase of the investigation but leaves open questions about how the list was compiled and whether Berryhill acted alone.
