Siegel introduces legislation to combat rise in political violence against public officials
Rep. Josh Siegel April 28, 2025 | 4:30 PM
HARRISBURG, April 28 – In response to the alarming rise in threats, harassment, and violence targeting public officials, state Rep. Josh Siegel announced today that he is introducing legislation to impose life sentences without the possibility of parole for individuals who attack, plot, or carry out violence against elected officials in Pennsylvania.
“Our democracy is under siege,” Siegel said. “Extreme partisanship and inflammatory political rhetoric have fueled a dangerous culture of violent extremism. This isn’t just a political issue. This is about the safety of those who serve and the stability of our democratic institutions.”
The legislation comes amid a disturbing trend of political violence in recent years, including the shooting of Congressman Steve Scalise, the deadly Jan. 6, 2020 insurrection, the vandalism of state Rep. Alec Ryncavage’s office and a recent arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence.
“These events are not isolated incidents. They are part of a growing movement of political violence that threatens our state and nation,” said Siegel. “The January 6th attack on the Capitol was a turning point — broadcast live to the world as a violent mob attempted to overturn a democratic election and inflict harm on members of Congress. The pardons of January 6th traitors, especially those who assaulted Capitol police officers was a profound moral failure and stain on our system of justice that risks normalizing and encouraging future acts of political violence and terrorism against our democracy,” Siegel said.
Siegel's proposed legislation aims to give the judicial system greater power to hold accountable those who target public servants with violence, with the harshest penalties available under state law.
“Violence against public officials doesn’t just harm individuals. It undermines the rule of law, disrupts governance, and erodes public trust in our democracy. Our system requires the use of the ballot box and not bullets or bombs to resolve our disputes and disagreements,” Siegel said. “We must send a clear, unequivocal message that these acts of political terrorism will not be tolerated in Pennsylvania.”
Siegel is calling on fellow legislators to join him in sponsoring this critical measure and reaffirm their commitment to protecting public servants and preserving the democratic principles on which our government is built.