Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish, has risen to prominence as an outspoken Democratic governor in his support of Israel.
Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro responds after arson attack at his home
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called out political violence after police detained a suspect in an arson attack at the governor’s home in Harrisburg.
The suspect charged with setting fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence allegedly told a 911 operator he targeted Gov. Josh Shapiro because of his perceived stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, according to a report.
Cody A. Balmer, 38, is facing charges that include arson, attempted murder and others after authorities said he scaled a wall surrounding the Harrisburg mansion in the early morning hours of April 13, smashed windows and hurled Molotov cocktails inside to start the blaze before entering himself. Nobody was injured but parts of the residence were severely damaged.
According the news outlet PennLive, a search warrant for Balmer details his potential motive for the attack. The warrant said Balmer called 911 less than an hour after he fled the residence, identified himself by name and told the operator that Shapiro needs to know Balmer “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.”
The warrant was not viewed by USA TODAY. A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania courts system said the warrant was not released by that office.
Shapiro, who is Jewish, has risen to prominence as an outspoken Democratic governor in his support of Israel and opposition to policies enacted by President Donald Trump. His family hosted a Passover celebration hours before the attack.
The warrant said the 911 call was placed at 12:50 a.m. on April 13, according to PennLive. Corporal Benjamin Forsythe of the Pennsylvania State Police reportedly wrote in the warrant that Balmer targeted Shapiro “based upon perceived injustices to the people of Palestine.”