DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa (WHP) — A Delaware County court has now released what was said by a man who allegedly threatening to burn down Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Harrisburg residence.
According to his affidavit, Richard Franklin went to Rep. Leanne Krueger’s district office with his brother on July 7 to discuss an issue with his tax filing.
Franklin reportedly was upset over a $19 bill his accountant had not informed him off, Pennsylvania State Police said.
While completing a waiver so he could be helped, troopers said Franklin allegedly “became irate and crumbled up the paper”, before then saying:
I guess I’ll pay that Jew. That Jew needs the money more than me. I’d like to burn down his f****** mansion with him in it.
Troopers said Franklin’s actions were then reported to police.
The day after, troopers interviewed Franklin at his residence, where he allegedly admitted he was at the district office for a tax issue on that same date.
He also allegedly told troopers he referred to the governor as a “jew” multiple times in a negative manner.
When asked if he made a comment about burning the governor’s residence down, troopers said Franklin initially denied having done so.
Later, Franklin reportedly said he did make a comment regarding the previous arson attack.
Franklin explained he was talking about the governor’s family surviving the attack “in a positive light,” troopers alleged.
Troopers have since charged Franklin for using “racially motivated language” with “malicious intent to commit a crime of violence”, and for making a threat to “influence administrative proceeding.”
He’s currently being charged with:
Terroristic threats with intent to terrorize anotherEthnic intimidationHarassmentDisorderly conduct