HARRISBURG – Sen. Chris Gebhard of Lebanon, Berks and Lancaster counties, called on Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to investigate patterns of organized and targeted political violence toward Pennsylvanians in a letter yesterday. The letter outlines the rise in antisemitism and targeted acts of violence against federal officials and conservative-leaning organizations in recent years, with the most visible tragedies being the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Following the horrific crimes committed by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, there has been an unprecedented increase in violations against the civil rights of Jewish residents and students in the commonwealth. The letter also discussed how two pro-life organizations in Philadelphia were attacked after the Supreme Court’s decision in Jackson Women’s Health Organization v. Dobbs. Gebhard specifically requested that Attorney General Sunday investigate funding sources and financial networks and review existing intelligence regarding organizations linked to political violence. He also requested enhanced protective measures for ICE personnel and community members. Gebhard has introduced Senate Bill 1021 to strengthen penalties for criminals who commit offenses against federal immigration enforcement officers and agents operating in Pennsylvania.
SEN. CHRIS GEBHARD