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Discussion on Arson Attack at Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reported that former President Donald Trump reached out to him over the weekend to discuss the recent arson incident at the governor’s mansion. This event occurred just a week prior and has drawn significant public attention.
Shapiro shared that Trump’s call took place on Saturday morning. However, the governor missed the call because he did not recognize the number. “I didn’t take his call because it came from his cellphone,” Shapiro explained during an Easter Egg Hunt event at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg. After listening to the voicemail, he promptly returned the call.
SUSPECT’S 911 CALL RELEASED AFTER ARSON AT PA GOVERNOR’S MANSION THAT APPEARED TO BE FUELED BY WAR IN GAZA
During their conversation, which lasted approximately 15 minutes, Shapiro and Trump discussed various matters, including the implications of the fire and the well-being of Shapiro’s family following the attack. “He was very gracious,” Shapiro stated. “He asked how Lori and the kids were doing.” They also touched upon a variety of other subjects, reflecting a mutual understanding of the issues that concern them.
In a recent interview with ABC News, Shapiro remarked that although he received notices from other officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, Trump did not initially reach out following the April 13 attack.
In response to inquiries regarding the motive behind the attack, Trump indicated that he was unaware of any specific reasons but noted that the suspect was not a supporter of his. Additionally, Trump expressed disapproval of the incident, describing the assailant as “probably just a whack job” and emphasizing that such acts are intolerable.
SUSPECTED PENNSYLVANIA ARSONIST MAY HAVE BEEN MOTIVATED BY WAR IN GAZA: POLICE
The individual at the center of this incident, Cody Balmer, 38, faces serious charges such as attempted murder, aggravated arson, and terrorism. Balmer allegedly confessed to being motivated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, specifically in relation to Shapiro, who is Jewish. According to authorities, Balmer implied in a 911 call that he was acting against the governor’s perceived plans affecting the Palestinian people.
“Governor Josh Shapiro needs to know that Cody Balmer will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,” Balmer reportedly told a dispatcher shortly following the attack. He further asserted his willingness to confess to the crimes he committed, reiterating his non-hiding stance.
A warrant for Balmer’s arrest details an interview where he purportedly expressed animosity towards Shapiro and admitted responsibility for the incident. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Balmer breaking windows at the governor’s residence and deploying incendiary devices inside the premises. Witness accounts, including one from an alleged former partner, suggest that Balmer confessed to her about the arson and requested her assistance in turning him in.
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