Suspect in arson at Pennsylvania governor’s home targeted the governor for his views on war in Gaza, warrant says

By Danny Freeman, Amanda Musa and Dakin Andone, CNN

(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 what he believed were Shapiro’s views on the war in Gaza, according to search warrants released Wednesday.

The warrants, first reported by news site PennLive, say Balmer called 911 early Sunday after the fire and said Shapiro, who is Jewish, 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 documents say.

The release of the warrants come as authorities continue to probe the 38-year-old suspect’s background in search for a motive. Law enforcement officials have not conclusively said Balmer’s alleged attack was motivated by hate or antisemitism, though the Dauphin County district attorney has indicated investigators are looking at that possibility.

One source familiar with the investigation told CNN earlier this week investigators believe mental health issues may be a factor: Officials were struck by how casual and relaxed the suspect was throughout the ordeal, the source said. At that time, the source said there was not yet an indication antisemitism was a factor in the incident but the investigation into Balmer and his motives remained ongoing.

But the alleged statements to 911 demonstrate “Balmer’s political motivation for his conduct,” police wrote. Collectively, the warrants indicate authorities have seized several smartphones, a laptop and a buccal swab containing a sample of Balmer’s DNA.

Asked Wednesday about the suspect’s alleged statements, Shapiro told reporters he did not have a response, and that it was up to the district attorney’s office to identify the motive behind the incident.

“It’s disturbing, but it shows a focus and a fearlessness – he wasn’t concerned about being captured – and a focus on Gov. Shapiro,” Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo told CNN on Wednesday. Asked whether the governor’s religion was a motivating factor for the suspect, Chardo said, “I can’t say it was the sole factor, but it seems that it factored into his decision making.”

Still, Chardo indicated he does not plan to pursue “ethnic intimidation” charges, noting they would increase the grade of the alleged crime by one – but that the five most serious charges being brought against Balmer are all first-degree felonies.

The suspect has been charged with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, terrorism and other crimes.

The chief public defender of Dauphin County, which is representing Balmer, said in a statement Wednesday, “The allegations, if true, demonstrate the devastating consequences of severe mental illness.” She declined further comment beyond noting Balmer’s next court appearance would be postponed so his attorneys could determine “his competency to stand trial.”

According to PennLive, one warrant notes Balmer’s “intonation and cadence” during his call to 911 sounded like he was “possibly reading from a script.” CNN has not reviewed that document.

The US Justice Department is assisting with the investigation, Attorney General Pam Bondi said at a news conference Wednesday, where she called the fire “absolutely horrific” and indicated she believed the suspect’s goal was to harm the governor.

“I firmly believe that they wanted to kill him,” Bondi said.

Shapiro, who just hours before the attack was celebrating Passover with his family, highlighted at a news conference Sunday his pride in his Jewish faith, saying, “if he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover.”

Wednesday, the governor thanked well-wishers for the messages of support his family received in the days since the fire. He’s heard from every living former governor of Pennsylvania, he said — but he has not heard from President Donald Trump.

“My focus has been on being a good dad, a good husband and a good governor, in that order,” he said, noting he and first lady Lori Shapiro had been doing their best to answer questions from their four children.

“Be honest with them, tell them what we know and also tell them what we don’t know, and to let them know that they’re safe and they’re going to be OK, and it’s OK to feel a lot of different things,” Shapiro said. “And it’s OK to not be OK, also.”

Balmer shared posts critical of Biden

Balmer has faced personal and financial turmoil in recent years – including allegations that he assaulted his wife and young children amid a suicide attempt.

Balmer shared Facebook posts critical of former President Joe Biden, but doesn’t appear to have mentioned Shapiro, also a Democrat. In an interview with police, Balmer admitted to “harboring hatred” toward Shapiro, and said he would have beaten the governor with a hammer if found during the attack, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by CNN.

Balmer is a registered voter in Pennsylvania but is not affiliated with a political party, according to state records. On his Facebook account, he has made multiple posts since 2021 that are critical of Biden.

A post from January 2021 says in part, “Biden supporters shouldn’t exist. Where were you his first run? Well aware of the trash he is.” Another post from the same month reads in part, “RIP Joe Biden….. Whoops that’s in May, #notmypresidenteither.”

In September 2021, Balmer posted a meme criticizing Biden’s handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The meme shows Biden in a car with text that reads, “Get in, loser. We’re leaving Afghanistan.” The next image shows the former president appearing to drive off with text that says “*Drives off without you*.”

In June 2022, Balmer shared on Facebook what appears to be a photo of a needlepoint illustration of a flaming Molotov cocktail – the same weapon authorities say he used to start the fires at Shapiro’s residence.

“Be the light you want to see in the world,” the original image declared.

CNN’s Josh Campbell, Zoe Sottile and Hannah Rabinowitz contributed to this report.

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