Pennsylvania State Senator Dawn Keefer is facing criticism for a controversial video in which she uses a flamethrower to burn a sign featuring Governor Josh Shapiro's name. The video, posted on May 8, comes just a month after an arson attack on Shapiro's home. Keefer, a Republican representing Cumberland and York counties, used the flamethrower to protest what she called Shapiro's "$51 billion fantasy budget," which she claims would lead to a 52% income tax increase.
Keefer's video references the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, an uprising against a federal whiskey tax in western Pennsylvania. She stated, "Over 230 years ago, Pennsylvanians held the line against taxation," before igniting the sign with Shapiro's budget proposal. Her actions have drawn backlash from Democratic leaders, including State Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, who called the video "insensitive" and "uncalled for," especially following the recent arson attack on Shapiro's residence.
The video has sparked a debate about political rhetoric and civility. Some Republicans have suggested that Shapiro himself is partly to blame for the political climate that led to the attack on his home. Keefer declined to comment specifically on the flamethrower video, stating instead that the real issue is the state's excessive spending of taxpayer money.
The Pennsylvania state budget is due by June 30, and the controversy surrounding Keefer's video adds tension to the ongoing budget discussions. While the Governor and Senate Republican leaders have not commented on the video, the incident highlights the heated political environment in the state.