(File Photo: Source for Photo: Large waste disposal bins sit out front of the Pennsylvania governor’s residence as crews work to tear out fire-damaged ceilings, walls and floors nine days after an alleged arsonist’s fire engulfed part of the residence’s south wing, Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Delaware County, PA) Police confirm that a man from Delaware County was taken into custody yesterday after allegedly making a verbal threat to commit arson at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion in Harrisburg. 

Pennsylvania State Police state that sixty-five-year-old Richard Franklin is charged with terroristic threats, ethnic intimidation, harassment and disorderly conduct and he allegedly used an antisemitic slur while making the threat. 

Franklin reportedly made the threat to burn Shapiro’s home on Tuesday while he was at Representative Leanne Krueger’s office in Brookhaven.

Troopers confirm that Franklin was speaking with a staff member about his outstanding taxes when he made that threat. 

According to court records, Franklin was taken to the Delaware County Prison and was unable to post monetary bail of $100,000.  

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 16th.