Arson suspect says he attacked Pennsylvania governor's mansion over Gaza conflict
Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro's residence set on fire in suspected arson attack (Photo: Getty Images)
The man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania’s Governor’s residence reportedly told 911 he was furious over Josh Shapiro’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, NBC News reports.
Cody Balmer, 38, turned himself in just hours after launching an arson attack on the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg early Sunday morning.
According to search warrants, Balmer called 911 following the fire and said he wouldn’t take part in "what [Shapiro] wants to do to the Palestinian people."
He reportedly added, "You all know where to find me. I’m not hiding, and I will confess to everything that I had done."
Authorities say Balmer broke into the residence while Shapiro and his family were asleep, throwing homemade incendiary devices made from beer bottles into first-floor rooms.
He later admitted to police that had he encountered the governor, "he would have beaten him with his hammer."
The state police are treating the case as politically motivated and requested to seize any of Balmer’s devices referencing Shapiro, Gaza, or the ongoing conflict.
Charges filed as mental health concerns surface
Balmer is now facing multiple charges, including terrorism, attempted homicide, and arson.
During a court appearance Monday, he was denied bail and declined to plead, insisting he didn’t suffer from mental illness. His criminal record includes past convictions for assault and forgery, and police reports show a history of domestic violence.
Balmer’s mother told reporters she had tried to get help for her son days before the incident, contacting local authorities and mental health services, but no action was taken. "Nobody would help," she said, adding that he hadn’t been taking prescribed medication.
Gov. Shapiro later referenced the attack during a public event, stating, "I know it’s easy to look at the world and see the people who are trying to tear things down."
Balmer remains in custody as prosecutors investigate whether his actions were politically or religiously driven.
Trump’s 'real estate' claims
The attack on Shapiro’s residence comes amid renewed political controversy in the US over Gaza.
Just days earlier, President Donald Trump once again called for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip, describing it as "important real estate" and suggesting the relocation of its population.
He floated the idea of transforming the enclave into a "freedom zone" under US oversight, a proposal widely criticized by regional allies and human rights groups.
In contrast, Indonesia has announced plans to evacuate and temporarily shelter 1,000 wounded and orphaned Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing humanitarian care and future return rather than permanent resettlement.
