Cody A. Balmer has been charged with arson at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion, driven by his belief that Governor Josh Shapiro's stance on the Gaza conflict was endangering Palestinian lives. In a 911 call, Balmer articulated his grievances, accusing Shapiro of causing suffering among his community. Following the incident, police found evidence of Balmer’s past mental health issues and a history of violence. Despite being charged with attempted murder, no injuries resulted from the fire, which badly damaged two rooms in the mansion. Balmer later expressed a willingness to confront Shapiro directly.
Balmer stated, "Gov. Shapiro needs to know that he will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people."
In a 911 call, Balmer expressed his distress, saying "I need to stop having my friends killed, and our people have been put through too much by that monster."
Balmer admitted to police he harbored hatred for Shapiro, saying, "I would have beaten him with my hammer had I run into him on the night of the attack."
The police search warrant revealed Balmer's justification for the crime was rooted in his beliefs about Shapiro's impact on Palestinian deaths due to the war in Gaza.
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