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Search warrants have provided new details about the arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. The documents claim that Cody Balmer, 38, allegedly set fire to the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg early Sunday (April 13) due to Shapiro's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Balmer reportedly called 911 after the attack, expressing anger over Shapiro's perceived actions toward Palestinians.
The incident occurred after Shapiro hosted a Passover Seder, with the fire reported around 2 a.m. The governor and his family were safely evacuated.
Balmer allegedly scaled a fence, broke windows, and used homemade incendiary devices in the attack. He later turned himself in to the police, admitting his actions and expressing a willingness to confess.
Balmer is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, and aggravated arson.
The Pennsylvania State Police have initiated an independent security review of the Governor's Residence. Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of condemning violence, regardless of its motivation, and stated that prosecutors would determine the suspect's motives.
"I know that there are people out there who want to ascribe their own viewpoints as to what happened here and why," Shapiro told reporters. "I choose not to participate in that."
"Violence has no place in our society, regardless of what motivates it," Shapiro added.