Pennsylvania State Senator Tracy Pennycuick, a Republican, questioned the decision made by Governor Josh Shapiro in April when a man threw Molotov cocktails into the governor’s mansion, forcing the governor and his family to evacuate. (The suspect, Cody Balmer, who said he hated Shapiro’s political views, pleaded guilty to terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, and aggravated assault, among other counts.)
As seen below in a video, Pennycuick — who is running for re-election this year — said the Shapiro family evacuation came up this week during a budget meeting while discussing the Pennsylvania State Police.
Pennycuick said, “We found out some really interesting stuff,” including that after the attack on the mansion, “the governor made the decision to break with protocol, and to move his family back to their personal residence in Montgomery County instead of going to a secure location where the Pennsylvania State Police could safely keep him and his family secure.”
The lawmaker took a dramatic pause and asked, “Why did he break with protocol, and put his family at a higher level of risk than was necessary?”
Gross attack from vulnerable @PASenateGOP Tracy Pennycuick incredulously claiming that Gov. Shapiro put his own family at risk. She’s blaming the victims and undermining state police.
Shapiro’s have the right to be safe at their home, just like Trump at Mar-A-Lago pic.twitter.com/WAAi6AYzEi
— J.J. Abbott (@jjabbott) February 26, 2026
Shapiro’s former communications director JJ Abbott replied to Pennycuick’s video: “Gross attack from vulnerable @PASenateGOP Tracy Pennycuick incredulously claiming that Gov. Shapiro put his own family at risk. She’s blaming the victims and undermining state police. Shapiro’s have the right to be safe at their home, just like Trump at Mar-A-Lago.”
Abbott added: “This week, PSP Commissioner Bivens, who worked for GOP Govs, said Shapiro gets more threats than any other Gov. I worked with the PSP detail and leaders. They are experts, not Sen. Pennycuick. She should apologize to Gov, family and PSP for this desperate attack.”
Note: Shapiro, who is reportedly considering a presidential run in 2028, is also running for re-election as governor this year.