Senate GOP Drops BOMBSHELL Subpoenas—What They Found About Governor's Secret Security Costs Will SHOCK You!

By Whitney Downard | Pennsylvania Capital-Star

Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks with the press on February 6, 2023.
Credit: PA Internet News Service

In a recent move that has sparked controversy, three public and private entities will receive subpoenas from a Pennsylvania Senate committee following a Republican vote to investigate taxpayer-funded security upgrades at Governor Josh Shapiro’s private residence in Montgomery County, as well as administrative travel on charter flights. The decision was made during a committee meeting on a Tuesday and reflects heightened scrutiny over how state funds are being utilized.

Democrats on the Intergovernmental Operations Committee decried the investigation as a “witch hunt,” questioning the legitimacy and purpose of the subpoenas. They argue that the committee lacks the authority for such an inquiry, suggesting that the Republican majority is playing politics rather than pursuing genuine oversight.

Committee Chair Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-Lehigh & Bucks) defended the action, stating that his office had made multiple requests for information from the Shapiro administration dating back to August, receiving only partial responses regarding the spending. “No one disputes that the governor should have reasonable protection or access to transportation for travel associated with his role,” Coleman remarked. “But no administration, Republican or Democrat, should operate in the shadows regarding taxpayer dollars.”

Recent reports from SpotlightPA indicate that nearly $1.1 million was allocated for updates to Shapiro’s residence in Abington Township, located outside of Philadelphia, following an arson attack while the governor and his family were inside the residence.

Two of the subpoenas pertain specifically to the Abington home. The first subpoena, directed to the Pennsylvania State Police, seeks a copy of a security assessment conducted in May, along with all communications related to the construction and security work at both Shapiro’s private residence and a neighboring property. Additionally, the subpoena requests body camera footage from police visits to either property between September 20 and November 19 of this year. The second subpoena calls for permits and zoning hearing transcripts from Abington Township, as well as communication records. The third subpoena involves charter flights used by state officials.

All three subpoenas are due to be submitted to the committee by noon on January 16.

The Context of the Investigation

During a recent budget hearing, leadership from the Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that both Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis had utilized state aircraft in addition to the plane typically designated for governors, which is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. While the latter is required to maintain flight logs, the state police are not bound by the same regulations, raising questions about transparency in state-funded travel.

Coleman’s inquiry is particularly focused on charters arranged through Let’s Go Air, Inc. when state police planes required maintenance. Records disclosed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette detail flights taken across the state in January, but these records do not include passenger lists, which Coleman aims to access. Following the Tuesday meeting, he expressed frustration regarding “conflicting” information received from the administration about flight manifests, suggesting that “passengers were changing after the fact.”

Coleman emphasized the urgency for clarity, stating, “We’re really not confident they can provide the information accurately. Taxpayers deserve an answer.” The subpoena directed at Let’s Go Air CEO Michael Hartle seeks passenger screening confirmations for the January flights, along with booking records and all communications exchanged between the company and state leaders.

In a statement regarding the subpoenas, Shapiro’s spokesperson, Will Simons, criticized the committee's actions, stressing that the residence upgrades were vital for the governor's safety following a recent assassination attempt and attack on the Governor’s Residence. Simons stated, “The Pennsylvania State Police and independent security experts conducted thorough reviews to pinpoint security failures and make concrete recommendations for improvements.”

Simons also highlighted that the Shapiro administration has been transparent, having responded to inquiries and released substantial information without compromising security protocols. He accused the committee of undermining the governor’s safety by pursuing a politically motivated investigation.

The partisan divide in the committee was evident as the seven GOP members rejected multiple attempts from the four Democrats to table the subpoenas or postpone the meeting. Each motion, introduced by Minority Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), was defeated along party lines.

With Shapiro running for re-election next year and being mentioned as a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, the political implications of this investigation are significant. The outcome could influence not only Shapiro's political trajectory but also the broader political landscape in Pennsylvania as controversies surrounding state funding and security protocols continue to unfold.