HARRISBURG, Pa. – A Pennsylvania State Police trooper said in a lawsuit that he was removed from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s security detail because of race considerations, and that his removal was not due to his performance.
Cpl. Joshua Mack is suing the Pennsylvania State Police, along with two supervisors.
Mack, who is white, says he heard a supervisor make comments in February and March 2025 about the “need” to increase diversity and hire “more minorities” for the governor’s detail.
In the lawsuit, Mack said he believes the supervisor’s comments reflected directives from higher-ranking officials.
Two supervisors informed Mack around March 25 that he was being removed from the governor’s security detail because of “administrative changes,” according to the lawsuit.
Mack, who says he has served with the state police since 2004, said in the lawsuit he has received exemplary performance reviews while with the state police, and that supervisors told him the decision was not based on performance or any other legitimate reason.
According to the lawsuit, Mack later learned he was replaced on Shapiro’s security detail by two troopers who were minorities, who he says were less qualified and did not have any dignitary-protection experience.
In the lawsuit, Mack said normal selection procedures were not followed for the replacements.
Mack’s removal and replacement on the governor’s detail were motivated by race considerations according to the suit, and were intended to satisfy state police’s stated goal of increasing minority representation in the governor’s detail.
Mack said he suffered loss of pay, loss of overtime income, diminished professional opportunities, and emotional distress.
The lawsuit said state police engaged in intentional discrimination by removing him from his position and replacing with who he says were less qualified troopers.
Mack is seeking damages, including lost wages and benefits.
“We do not comment on personnel matters or pending litigation,” Pennsylvania State Police said when reached out to for comment.