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Authorities in Pennsylvania have determined a possible political and ideological motive behind an arson attack on Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, last weekend, an arsonist set fire to the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in an early-morning attack. Authorities say 38-year-old Cody Balmer climbed a 7-foot security fence, smashed windows, and hurled Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles and gasoline into the mansion, causing extensive damage. At the time, Governor Shapiro, his family, and guests were asleep inside following a Passover Seder (the Governor is Jewish) but were safely evacuated by state troopers. Balmer fled the scene but later turned himself in, reportedly confessing to the attack and stating he would have used a hammer on the governor had he encountered him.
What’s going on now: In an update, authorities have revealed new details about the possible motive behind the arson attack, indicating that the suspect may have been driven by political and ideological beliefs. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Balmer told investigators he carried out the attack because of “what [Governor Shapiro] wants to do to the Palestinian people” and claimed, “Our people have been put through too much by that monster.” He also stated during a 911 call that Shapiro needed to “stop having my friends killed.”
Governor Shapiro has chosen not to comment on the motive, deferring to law enforcement and prosecutors. “I know that there are people out there who want to ascribe their own viewpoints as to what happened here and why… I choose not to participate in that,” he told reporters. “Violence has no place in our society, regardless of what motivates it.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi has strongly condemned the attack but stopped short of labeling it domestic terrorism. When asked whether the DOJ would pursue a separate federal case or designate the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, Bondi declined to commit, saying only that federal officials are “working with state authorities to do anything we can to help convict the person that did this and keep them behind bars as long as possible.” Bondi also noted she had spoken with Shapiro and FBI Director Kash Patel, adding that the federal government is actively supporting the state investigation.
This all comes as the state police have confirmed that they will have an independent investigation into how Balmer breached the property and carried out the attack. “This assessment will be thorough,” state police said in a statement, “and is a critical part of ensuring the safety of the governor and his family moving forward.”
