Pennsylvania police link governor’s mansion arsonist to Palestinian cause

• The man suspected of breaking into Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion and setting multiple fires reportedly made a 911 call on the day of the attack. The Wall Street Journal reported that suspected arsonist Cody Balmer referenced the Palestinian cause during the call.
• Balmer reportedly started the fires with Shapiro and his family inside their home, but they managed to escape unharmed.
• Shapiro, who is Jewish, said he will not let the arson attack discourage him or his family from practicing their faith.

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The man accused of setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion on Sunday, April 13, allegedly admitted to doing so “in defense of Palestinians,” according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The same day of the attack, arson suspect Cody Balmer reportedly called 911 after the fire, making references to the Palestinian cause.

What did the suspected arsonist say during the 911 call?

The WSJ reported that a document from Pennsylvania State Police released Wednesday showed Balmer made a 911 call on Sunday to inform Shapiro that he “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.”

Shapiro and his family completed their celebration of the Jewish holiday Passover on Saturday night. As they slept, Balmer allegedly broke into their Harrisburg home and ignited the fires.

Investigators claimed Balmer broke in around 2 a.m. and then set several fires using Molotov cocktails, resulting in significant damage. The governor and his family escaped unharmed.

Gov. Shapiro responds

At a press briefing on Wednesday, the Democratic governor said he would not allow the attack to discourage his family from proudly celebrating their faith. He also expressed gratitude that people from all faiths have condemned the act.

What criminal charges does Balmer face?

Balmer faces charges of terrorism, arson and attempted murder. He reportedly told police that if he had encountered Shapiro during the break-in, he would have beaten him with a hammer.

The suspect’s lawyer proposed that, if the claims are accurate, mental illness could have played a role.

Law enforcement has detained Balmer at a county jail without bail. The Journal reported that he has not registered with any political party in Pennsylvania.