Arsonist Targeted Josh Shapiro's Home Over Governor's Support for Israel, Police Say

The suspect in the Sunday arson attack on Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro's (D.) residence said he set fire to the home because Shapiro is Jewish and supports Israel, according to a newly unsealed warrant.

According to the warrant, Cody Balmer, 38, targeted Shapiro's home on the first night of Passover because of "perceived injustices to the people of Palestine" and Shapiro's Judaism, PennLive reported.

Balmer, who called 911 after the attack and later turned himself in, told operators that he "will not take part in [Shapiro's] plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people." Balmer also called the governor a "monster" and said he needed to "stop having my friends killed," according to the warrant.

Dauphin County district attorney Francis Chardo (R.) said he will use Balmer's statements as evidence of a hate crime, USA Today reported. Court documents released on Tuesday said Balmer was "harboring hatred" toward the governor, according to CBS.

Shapiro, a prominent Jewish Democrat and a finalist to be Kamala Harris's running mate last year, has sparked backlash from anti-Israel members of his party for condemning Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack and supporting the Jewish state. He also called for the removal of a pro-Hamas encampment last year at the University of Pennsylvania after protesters tried to seize a campus building.

Surveillance footage shows Balmer scaling the security fence around the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg before smashing windows and hurling Molotov cocktails inside. While the fire caused extensive property damage just hours after Shapiro hosted a Passover dinner, the governor, his family, guests, and staff were able to evacuate safely.

Authorities have charged Balmer with eight crimes, including attempted murder, aggravated arson, and terrorism. If convicted, he faces more than 100 years in prison.

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