Suspect in arson at Pennsylvania governor's home targeted the governor for his views on war in Gaza, warrant says [View all]

Source: CNN

Cody Balmer, the man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence, told 911 operators he targeted the governor in part because of his views on the war in Gaza, according to a search warrant obtained by CNN from the Dauphin County district attorney.

The warrant, first reported by news site PennLive, says Balmer called 911 early Sunday morning after the fire at the governor’s residence, and said Shapiro needs to know he “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.”

Balmer also told 911 operators Shapiro needed to “stop having my friends killed,” and that “our people have been put through too much by that monster,” the warrant says.

This statement “demonstrates Balmer’s political motivation for his conduct,” the warrant says.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/16/us/cody-balmer-search-warrant-shapiro-arson-motive/index.html