Meuser suggests Gov’s actions against Trump led to arson

The Daily Item

Gov. Josh Shapiro on Wednesday rebuked Congressman Dan Meuser after the Republican said Shapiro’s actions against the Trump administration and violent rhetoric are “not helpful,” and possibly led to Sunday’s attack at the Governor’s Residence.

Meuser, who condemned the attack in the immediate aftermath of the incident, told a northeastern Pennsylvania radio host that, “Our hearts go out to the Shapiro family on this, but they’ve got to tone it down, too,” Meuser said on WILK-FM, an interview he posted to his X account. “I mean, every action Josh Shapiro has taken so far against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood, and you know that’s not helpful, either.”

Shapiro was asked about Meuser’s comments during a press conference Wednesday — Shapiro’s first public comments since Sunday afternoon — the governor responded, “He said that?,” before saying “Look, I’ve said for years leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity. It would appear the congressman failed to measure up to that.”

Later in the day, Wednesday, Meuser went back to social media, posting on X “No matter our political differences, there is no place for violence of any kind in our society.” The Republican who represents the 9th Congressional district that includes Northumberland and Montour counties, wrote. “The individual in custody is clearly deranged and solely responsible for his actions. What I said in a recent interview — and what I meant — is that the broader political rhetoric we’re seeing from both sides is dangerous. There have been two assassination attempts on President Trump. There have been violent attacks on Tesla dealerships. That doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

“That kind of rhetoric is reckless. When people hear things like that — just like when political opponents are labeled ‘fascists’ or ‘Nazis’ — it fuels hatred — especially when it is not condemned by political leaders. And hatred can lead to violence. That’s the point I was making. It’s not helpful. It’s irresponsible. And it’s something that needs to stop — from both sides of the aisle.”

Shapiro has remained a vocal critic of President Donald Trump since his return to office in January. In February, state officials filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s freeze of federal funding. Additional lawsuits over federal funding for health care and education have also been filed by Shapiro’s administration.

The governor has also said he is willing to work with the Trump administration. Last week, Shapiro said he was hopeful Trump’s tariff plan would work. In an editorial board with CNHI in Johnstown in January, Shapiro said, “I’m prepared to work with (Trump), and I trust that he wants to deliver for the people of Pennsylvania. As long as he wants to deliver for the people of Pennsylvania, I’ll be his partner in progress.”

Meuser was quick to condemn Sunday’s attack on social media. He said Wednesday he reached out to Shapiro to voice his concern.

“We live in a country where we resolve our differences through debate, elections, and the rule of law — not through fear, intimidation, or violence,” Meuser wrote hours after Sunday’s attack. “What happened last night was not just an attack on one family — it was an attack on the values we all share as Americans. And it is particularly disgraceful that this occurred on Passover — a sacred time of faith, freedom, and reflection.”

Dan Meuser