Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro faced heavy criticism online after a video surfaced of him autographing a missile at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, possibly destined for use against Russian targets in Ukraine. Shapiro, who is considered a potential vice-presidential pick for Kamala Harris, shared the video with the caption, “We must all do our part in the fight for freedom,” expressing solidarity with Ukraine in their defense against Russian aggression.
While Shapiro’s message resonated with many, conservative figures swiftly responded with outrage. Commentator David Harris Jr. called it evidence that “Democrats are now the party of war,” while Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene insisted that the US should be pursuing peace, not fueling conflict. She also criticized ongoing US financial and military support for Ukraine, which she claims most Americans oppose.
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Other critics highlighted the irony in Shapiro’s missile-signing, contrasting it with his past criticisms of former President Trump’s foreign policy. Philadelphia commentator Joey Mannarino questioned how Shapiro’s actions aligned with his previous stance on the war, further criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Pennsylvania as an implicit endorsement of Shapiro and Harris.
As Shapiro, Zelenskyy, and Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey toured the ordnance plant, chaos erupted in Philadelphia. Illegal car meets, fireworks, and street races resulted in multiple arrests, with local right-wing commentator Jack Posobiec sharing videos of the unrest and accusing Shapiro of neglecting local issues while posing for photos with artillery shells.
In a formal statement, Shapiro defended his actions, framing Pennsylvania as the “birthplace of American freedom” and reaffirming the state’s support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. He also announced a new agreement between Pennsylvania and the Ukrainian region of Zaporizhizhia aimed at future economic collaboration, which officials say will benefit both regions by boosting economic recovery and creating jobs.
