Arson at Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion Tied to Gaza War Anger, Suspect Says
The man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence did so out of anger over Shapiro’s stance on the war in Gaza, according to a search warrant released Wednesday.
Cody A. Balmer, 38, was charged with attempted murder and other offenses after allegedly setting the fire that damaged two rooms in the Harrisburg mansion. No one was injured in the blaze, which occurred shortly after the governor had hosted a Passover Seder at the home.
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Balmer identified himself in a 911 call after the attack, saying, “You know where to find me. I’m not hiding and I will confess to everything that I’ve done.” In the call and a subsequent police interview, Balmer reportedly claimed the governor, who is Jewish, was complicit in the deaths of Palestinians.
According to the affidavit, Balmer said he would have “beaten [Shapiro] with his hammer” had he encountered him at the mansion that night. Investigators have since seized digital devices from Balmer and are examining writings and notes related to Shapiro and the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Though Balmer has a documented history of mental illness and past violence, law enforcement officials are considering whether the incident constitutes an act of domestic terrorism. US Attorney General Pam Bondi has not ruled out such a designation.
