When Faith Becomes a Target: The Rising Threat of Antisemitic Violence and How Texas Families Can Fight Back

The Night Pennsylvania’s Governor Became a Target

It was April 13, 2025—Passover. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, his children, and extended family were asleep inside the governor’s mansion after celebrating the holiday. Just after midnight, a stranger broke into the house and exploded multiple Molotov cocktails. The arsonist, Cody Allen Balmer, then called 911 and shouted, “This is for what Shapiro wants to do to the Palestinian people.” He later told police he would have beaten the governor with a hammer if he’d found him.

The attack left Shapiro and his family physically unharmed but emotionally scarred. “I’m one of the fortunate ones,” Shapiro told reporters. “I wasn’t killed the way Melissa Hortman was or Charlie Kirk was. I wasn’t injured the way Gabby Giffords or Steve Scalise were physically. But I think we also walk around with the emotional scars of it.”

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Shapiro, the nation’s most prominent Jewish politician, has faced rising antisemitism throughout his career. His family now faces new threats regularly. In February 2026, a man was arrested near Harrisburg for making terroristic threats and stalking the governor.

While this attack occurred in Pennsylvania, the same forces of hatred are at work in Texas. Jewish families in Joshua, Joshua County, and across the state are increasingly concerned about their safety. The question is: what can be done when faith becomes a target?

At Attorney911, we’ve seen how hate-fueled violence leaves families devastated—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. If you or a loved one has been targeted because of your faith, ethnicity, or identity, you have legal rights. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent 25+ years holding negligent parties accountable, and we’re here to help Texas families fight back.

When Faith Becomes a Legal Issue: Understanding Your Rights

Antisemitic violence isn’t just a criminal matter—it’s a civil rights issue. When someone is targeted because of their faith, ethnicity, or identity, the law provides avenues for justice beyond criminal prosecution.

1. Civil Rights Violations

Under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 1983), individuals can sue when their constitutional rights are violated by someone acting under color of law. While this typically applies to government actors, private individuals can also be held liable in certain cases of hate-motivated violence.

2. Hate Crime Enhancements

Texas law (Penal Code § 12.47) allows for enhanced penalties when crimes are motivated by bias. While this applies to criminal cases, it can also influence civil claims for damages.

3. Negligent Security Claims

If an antisemitic attack occurs on someone else’s property (like a synagogue, community center, or business), the property owner may be liable if they failed to provide adequate security. This is especially relevant in Texas, where property owners have a duty to protect visitors from foreseeable harm.

4. Workplace Discrimination

Jewish employees who face harassment or discrimination at work may have claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Texas Labor Code.

5. Online Harassment and Doxxing

Texas has laws against cyberstalking (Penal Code § 42.07) and doxxing (Penal Code § 33.07). Victims can pursue both criminal charges and civil lawsuits for damages.

How Texas Families Can Protect Themselves

If you or a loved one has been targeted because of your Jewish faith, here’s what you can do:

1. Document Everything

• Take photos of any vandalism or physical evidence
• Save screenshots of online harassment or threats
• Keep records of any police reports or medical treatment
• Write down witness statements

2. Report the Incident

• File a police report immediately
• Report online harassment to the platform (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Report hate crimes to the ADL or other advocacy groups

3. Seek Legal Counsel

An experienced attorney can help you:
– Understand your legal options
– File civil lawsuits for damages
– Pursue restraining orders against harassers
– Hold negligent third parties accountable

4. Prioritize Safety

• Install security cameras at home and work
• Consider self-defense training
• Be cautious about sharing personal information online
• Work with local law enforcement to assess threats

The Emotional Toll: More Than Just Physical Harm

Governor Shapiro’s case highlights the emotional scars left by antisemitic violence. Even when victims aren’t physically injured, the trauma can be profound.

Common Emotional Effects

• Anxiety and Fear: Constant worry about future attacks
• Depression: Feelings of helplessness and isolation
• PTSD: Flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance
• Loss of Trust: Difficulty feeling safe in public spaces
• Family Strain: Parents may struggle to protect their children

Legal Compensation for Emotional Harm

In civil lawsuits, victims can seek compensation for:
– Pain and Suffering: The emotional distress caused by the attack
– Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The impact on daily activities and hobbies
– Punitive Damages: Additional compensation to punish the perpetrator and deter future attacks

Ralph Manginello has seen firsthand how emotional trauma can devastate families. “This work that I love has also brought my family close to death,” Shapiro said. “That’s a hard thing to work through as a dad. I’m still working through it candidly.”

The Role of Free Speech: Where the Law Draws the Line

One of the most complex issues in cases involving antisemitism is the balance between free speech and hate speech. While the First Amendment protects free expression, it doesn’t protect threats, harassment, or incitement to violence.

What’s Protected vs. What’s Not

Legal Precedents

Courts have consistently held that speech crosses the line when it:
– Threatens violence (e.g., “I’m going to bomb your synagogue”)
– Incites imminent lawless action (e.g., “Let’s attack the Jewish community center”)
– Constitutes harassment or stalking (e.g., repeated unwanted contact)

In Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that speech can only be restricted if it is “directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.” This standard is difficult to meet, but it provides a framework for holding perpetrators accountable when their speech crosses into violence.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If you or a loved one has been targeted because of your Jewish faith, here’s what to do next:

1. Seek Safety

• Remove yourself from any immediate danger
• Call 911 if you’re being threatened or attacked

2. Document the Incident

• Take photos or videos of any damage or injuries
• Save screenshots of online harassment or threats
• Write down witness statements

3. Report the Incident

• File a police report
• Report online harassment to the platform (e.g., Facebook, Twitter)
• Report hate crimes to the ADL or other advocacy groups

4. Seek Legal Counsel

• Contact Attorney911 for a free consultation
• We’ll help you understand your legal options and next steps

Additional Resources

YouTube Videos for Further Education

• The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits – Learn about legal options for emotional trauma and PTSD
• Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Traumatic Event? – Understanding compensation for emotional harm
• What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering? – How courts calculate damages for emotional distress

Advocacy Organizations

• Anti-Defamation League (ADL): https://www.adl.org
• Jewish Federation of Greater Houston: https://www.houstonjewish.org
• Secure Community Network (SCN): https://www.securecommunitynetwork.org

Final Thoughts: Turning Pain into Power

Governor Shapiro’s story is a powerful reminder that hate-fueled violence leaves scars—both visible and invisible. But it’s also a testament to resilience. “I refuse to live in fear,” Shapiro said. “I refuse to back down. Even though the threats are increasing, the light I see and the joy I find in others is also increasing. And that allows me to frankly ignore the noise and ignore the hate and focus on the goodness in people.”

At Attorney911, we believe that legal action is one way to turn pain into power. By holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable, we can send a message that hate will not be tolerated in Texas.

If you’ve been targeted because of your faith, don’t suffer in silence. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to fight for you.