Why Even the Smallest Municipality Needs Safety Protocols: A Wake-Up Call from the Governor’s Mansion Attack

The recent arson attack on the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg – while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were home sleeping – has sent shockwaves through communities across the country, not just because it targeted a sitting governor, but because it serves as a grim reminder that acts of political violence can happen anywhere. This incident serves as a wake-up call for municipalities of all sizes, particularly smaller ones, to implement robust safety protocols that protect their citizens, public officials, and local infrastructure.

It’s a dangerous assumption to think that small boroughs and townships are immune to violence or extremist behavior. In today’s climate, threats are decentralized. Technology and social media have allowed disinformation, radical ideologies, and violent intentions to travel faster than ever before, and they don’t stop at city limits. Local elected officials, from mayors to school board members, have increasingly found themselves the target of harassment, threats, and even physical violence. Smaller municipalities, with fewer security resources, are often more vulnerable simply because they haven't been seen as a potential target – until now.

An initial step in improving municipal safety is recognizing that a proactive approach is necessary. Waiting for something to happen before implementing security measures is no longer a viable option. Fortunately, even towns with modest budgets can take meaningful steps to increase their resilience. Your municipality should evaluate potential threats to public spaces, government buildings, public infrastructure, and community events. This includes identifying vulnerabilities in physical security and emergency communication.

So, you're saying to yourself, “we don’t have room in the budget to make effective changes.” You can start by simply installing cameras at municipal buildings, adding lighting around public entrances, securing access points, and placing emergency alert buttons, which can significantly deter or delay attacks. These are cost-effective measures that can improve your protection. Everyone, from council members to paid employees, should know how to respond in an emergency. Training in how to handle active threats, evacuations, and even cybersecurity issues can save lives and reduce chaos in a crisis. These public safety threats can and do occur in smaller Pennsylvania municipalities. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Share resources, information and response coordination planning with your neighboring municipalities and state law enforcement.

Engage your local residents as a powerful line of defense. Community awareness campaigns, neighborhood watch programs, and participation in local government meetings can foster a culture of vigilance. An informed public is often the first to recognize that something just doesn’t look right. The good motto to promote is,” if you see something, say something.”

The attack on the Governor’s Residence shows us that political violence can strike anywhere. But fear doesn’t have to be the takeaway. Instead, this should spark a shift toward building a culture of preparedness, where even the smallest community recognizes its responsibility to protect its people and places. Preparedness isn’t paranoia—it’s leadership. And in today’s world, the safest communities will be those that have planned ahead.

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About the Author

David L. Anthony is a member of the Keystone Municipal Solutions team of experts. He is a veteran of municipal government, having served more than 33 years in various positions of public service. Contact him at david@keystonemunicipalsolutions.com. To learn more about David and the Keystone Municipal Solutions team, click here.