Responding to a disturbing rise in political violence across the country, I intend to introduce a bill in the near future to create the criminal offense of Political Intimidation. 
 
The need for this legislation has been underscored by recent tragedies, including, most notably, the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025.  Mr. Kirk, a nationally recognized leader, political commentator, and free speech advocate, devoted his career to advancing civic engagement and encouraging young Americans to enter the public square with passion and conviction.  He was murdered while engaging in a political debate with college students at a Utah university – an act that prosecutors have identified as politically motivated. 
 
Sadly, this horrific event is not an isolated incident.  Across the nation, threats, harassment, and acts of violence against political candidates, public officials, party volunteers, poll workers, and ordinary citizens participating in lawful political activity have sharply increased.  In April, Governor Shapiro was targeted in a political assassination attempt when an intruder set fire to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence.  These attacks strike at the heart of our democratic system by attempting to silence voices through fear, violence, and coercion. 
 
Just as Pennsylvania law has long recognized that crimes motivated by racial, ethnic, or religious animus deserve enhanced punishment, so too must we act to ensure that individuals are not targeted because of their political affiliation, beliefs, or civil role.  Significantly, my bill is narrowly tailored to punish certain conduct, not speech.  Peaceful protest, disagreement, and advocacy remain fully protected by the First Amendment. 
 
By enacting this legislation, Pennsylvania can make it clear that political violence has no place in this Commonwealth, and that citizens of all viewpoints can speak, campaign, vote, and serve in public life free from intimidation.  As Mr. Kirk demonstrated his willingness to engage across ideological divides, this legislation serves to honor his legacy by affirming that ideas should be tested in the marketplace of public discourse and that violence must never be permitted to silence voices in our society. 
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation to better protect our Commonwealth.