A search warrant obtained by PennLive reveals that the suspect in the arson attack at the Governor’s Residence targeted Josh Shapiro due to his perceived stance on Palestine. Cody Balmer, the suspect, called 911 following the attack and mentioned Shapiro in connection to his plans regarding Palestine. Balmer also referenced stopping his friends from getting killed and expressed anger towards Shapiro, stating that he was not hiding and willing to confess to his actions.
After Balmer’s ex-girlfriend reported his involvement, he surrendered to state police headquarters in Harrisburg. Police obtained search warrants for Balmer’s parents’ home, a storage unit, and his electronic devices. The warrant for his devices highlighted Balmer’s perceived injustices towards Palestine and Shapiro’s Jewish faith as potential motives for the attack.
Police have video evidence of Balmer scaling the security fence at the Governor’s Residence, throwing Molotov cocktails, and starting a fire. The investigation also found references to Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara in Balmer’s possession, but no mention of Israel or Palestine. The arson attack took place shortly after Shapiro hosted a Passover dinner.
Balmer has been charged with several crimes, including attempted murder and terrorism, facing over 100 years in prison if convicted. The district attorney is considering adding an ethnic intimidation charge based on Balmer’s motives. Police found evidence suggesting that Balmer followed a “terrorist attack cycle” while committing the act.
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