Leader Schumer Calls On DOJ To Investigate Arson Attack On Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro As Possible Antisemitic Hate Crime

New York, N.Y. – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sent the following letter to Attorney General Bondi demanding that the Department of Justice investigate if the recent arson attack on Governor Josh Shapiro warrants federal hate crime charges: 

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sent the following letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Justice Department, in coordination with the FBI, to investigate the recent arson attack on the Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, as a possible federal hate crime. Leader Schumer is specifically concerned that Governor Shapiro was targeted in part because of his religious identity and demands a full and through investigation.

“Passover is meant to be a time of family, reflection, and happiness as Jewish families across the globe celebrate our freedom. Instead, it was a brutal reminder of the hatred, brutality, and viciousness that still lives among us – both for the Shapiro family and for the millions of Americans who observed this appalling attack with heartbreak,” said Leader Schumer. “DOJ must immediately get to the underlying motive of this case and prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law. We cannot rid society of evil, hatred, or antisemitism without investigating all possible hate crime cases and calling it out immediately, loudly, and justly when substantiated – it’s time for the DOJ to do precisely that.”

The letter can be seen here or below. 

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Dear Attorney General Bondi,

I write to urge the Justice Department, in coordination with the FBI, to open a full investigation into whether the recent arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro constitutes a federal hate crime under 18 U.S.C. 249 and related statutes. Given the deeply troubling allegations that the suspect targeted Governor Shapiro based in part on his religious identity, the April 13 incident warrants immediate and serious federal scrutiny.

While the Shapiro family slept inside, the suspect allegedly set their home ablaze, causing extensive damage and leaving lasting anguish not only for the victims, but for Americans across the country. The suspect has since been charged with attempted homicide, terrorism, and aggravated arson. 

According to search warrants, the suspect told 911 operators that Governor Shapiro needs to know the suspect “will not take part in [Shapiro’s] plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people” and referenced “our people” being harmed by “that monster.” Another affidavit confirmed that the suspect told police he was “harboring hatred” for Shapiro and that he would have beaten the governor with a hammer. These statements—in conjunction with the timing of the attack during Passover, Governor Shapiro’s visible embrace of his Jewish faith, and the context of rising antisemitism globally and across the country—raise serious concerns about antisemitic motivation. While the local district attorney has not yet filed hate-crime charges, he acknowledged that Governor Shapiro’s religion appears to have factored into the suspect’s decisions. Our federal authorities must bring the full weight of our civil-rights laws to bear in examining this matter. No person or public official should be targeted because of their faith, and no community should wonder whether such acts will be met with silence.

I appreciate your strong condemnation of the attack and urge you to ensure that the federal government does everything in its power to pursue justice and uphold the fundamental values of religious freedom and public safety. I look forward to your response and to the Justice Department’s continued vigilance in the face of antisemitic violence.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer                                                               

United States Senator

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