Latest news with #DauphinCountyDistrictAttorney'sOffice
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arson suspect angry with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro over Palestinian stance, search warrants say
The man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania's executive mansion early Sunday dialed 911 after the attack and suggested he was upset by Gov. Josh Shapiro's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to newly released search warrants. Cody Balmer, 38, placed the call around 2:50 a.m., about 50 minutes after a fire was reported at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, the state police warrants say. He reportedly told a dispatcher that he "will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people," appearing to refer to Shapiro. Balmer then said he wanted to "stop having my friends killed," according to the warrants, and told the dispatcher "our people have been put through too much by that monster." It's unclear if he was referring to Shapiro, but the warrants said he also told the dispatcher that "all he has is a banquet hall to clean up." Before ending the call, according to the warrants, Balmer said: "You all know where to find me. I'm not hiding, and I will confess to everything that I had done." The warrants say the call demonstrates Balmer's "political motivation for his conduct." The Pennsylvania State Police also asked the court to seize all electronic devices, writings or notes "that contain any of the following: the name of Josh Shapiro, reference to Palestine, Gaza, Israel or the current conflict in Gaza." Shapiro told reporters Wednesday that he didn't know why the suspect may have an issue with his stance on Palestinian relations. "I think that's a question for prosecutors to determine what he meant by that and to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law," Shapiro said. The attack at the Governor's Residence came hours after Shapiro hosted a Seder dinner and wished his followers on social media on Saturday a "happy Passover," a major Jewish holiday. Balmer's social media presence suggests staunch anti-government views, including negative content about former President Joe Biden and memes urging people to "become ungovernable." Shapiro, a Democrat and former Pennsylvania attorney general, assumed the governor's office in 2023. He has sharply condemned the rise of antisemitism, including at some pro-Palestinian protests, while also condemning Islamophobia. Balmer, of Penbrook, turned himself in to state police Sunday afternoon, after authorities said he also told an ex-girlfriend about breaking into the governor's mansion. The woman also called police, they said. The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office announced charges of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism and other counts. District Attorney Fran Chardo said Monday that his office would review whether the suspect was motivated by politics or religion. Sunday's security breach at Shapiro's residence occurred while the family and other guests were asleep. According to a probable cause affidavit, Balmer scaled a perimeter fence, then used a hammer to smash through a window where he threw a homemade incendiary device made out of a beer bottle into a first-floor room, setting off a "substantial fire." He then smashed a window of an adjacent room, entered and deployed a second device, according to the affidavit, before exiting the residence and fleeing. Balmer told police that had he encountered Shapiro, "he would have beaten him with his hammer," the affidavit said, which added that "Balmer admitted to harboring hatred" toward Shapiro. The governor recounted during a news conference Sunday that he and his family awoke to the noise of a state trooper banging on their door. State police said the incident unfolded over "several minutes," and that while security knew a breach had occurred on the sprawling property, the intruder managed to evade them while troopers went to ensure the governor's safety. No one was injured. Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday that a third-party expert would conduct an independent security review of the incident. Balmer remains jailed after a judge on Monday denied him bail during a preliminary arraignment; he did not enter a plea. During his appearance, he rejected having a mental illness or requiring medication. "That's the rumor, but no, ma'am," he told the judge. Balmer also said that he lives with his parents and was unemployed, but that his last job was as a welder at a truck body manufacturer. He added that he has "a lot" of children, and has previously been arrested, but "missed a few" court dates. Records show he was due to appear in court this week involving charges of simple assault related to a January 2023 domestic dispute. Penbrook police said they had responded to the home of Balmer's then-wife, after a child called 911 to say his stepfather was assaulting his mother. Balmer "advised that he had taken a bottle full of pills in an attempt to kill himself," the complaint said. He began arguing with his wife, and then shoved her 13-year-old son when the child intervened, the complaint added. Balmer was accused of physically assaulting his wife, her son and another 10-year-old son. The court hearing this week was continued in light of his arrest, court officials said. Over the years, Balmer had pleaded guilty to forgery and theft in 2015 and again to forgery in 2016. He held a steady job for several years as a mechanic. Dipesh Modi, the owner of Kindermans Auto Repair in Harrisburg, said "nothing stood out" about Balmer, and their parting in 2022 was "mutual." But Balmer's mother said she was concerned about his mental health in recent days, and told The Associated Press on Monday that he was not taking his medication and that "nobody would help" when she called authorities last week. Penbrook police Lt. Jesse Foltz confirmed the department received a call from Balmer's mother on Thursday asking for help for her son after he left the family's home. But Foltz said that because Balmer hadn't articulated any actual threats to himself or others, police could not hold him for an involuntary mental health evaluation. Balmer's mother also told police she tried getting help from the local crisis intervention office, and that her son became upset because she called them. The office did not return a request for comment. Balmer's mother and his ex-girlfriend who called police following the arson attack also didn't respond to requests for comment. Shapiro earlier Wednesday made his first public appearance since the weekend at an opening of a new Hershey Co. manufacturing plant. He alluded to the attack in his remarks. "I think it is particularly good and meaningful for me to be here today, given the events of this past weekend, to celebrate the growth of this iconic company," he said. "I know it's easy to look at the world and see the people who are trying to tear things down." This article was originally published on
NBC News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Arson suspect angry with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro over Palestinian stance, search warrants say
The man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania's executive mansion early Sunday dialed 911 after the attack and suggested he was upset by Gov. Josh Shapiro's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to newly released search warrants. Cody Balmer, 38, placed the call around 2:50 a.m., about 50 minutes after a fire was reported at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, the state police warrants say. He reportedly told a dispatcher that he "will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people," appearing to refer to Shapiro. Balmer then said he wanted to "stop having my friends killed," according to the warrants, and told the dispatcher "our people have been put through too much by that monster." It's unclear if he was referring to Shapiro, but the warrants said he also told the dispatcher that "all he has is a banquet hall to clean up." Before ending the call, according to the warrants, Balmer said: "You all know where to find me. I'm not hiding, and I will confess to everything that I had done." The warrants say the call demonstrates Balmer's "political motivation for his conduct." Smartphones and a laptop were seized as part of the investigation. The attack at the Governor's Residence came hours after Shapiro hosted a Seder dinner and wished his followers on social media on Saturday a "happy Passover," a major Jewish holiday. Balmer's social media presence suggests staunch anti-government views, including negative content about former President Joe Biden and memes urging people to "become ungovernable." Shapiro, a Democrat and former Pennsylvania attorney general, assumed the governor's office in 2023. He has sharply condemned the rise of antisemitism, including at some pro-Palestinian protests, while also condemning Islamophobia. Balmer, of Penbrook, turned himself in to state police on Sunday afternoon, after authorities said he also told an ex-girlfriend about breaking into the governor's mansion. The woman also called police, they said. The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office announced charges of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism and other counts. District Attorney Fran Chardo said on Monday that his office would review whether the suspect was motivated by politics or religion. Sunday's security breach at Shapiro's residence occurred while the family and other guests were asleep. According to a probable cause affidavit, Balmer scaled a perimeter fence, then used a hammer to smash through a window where he threw a homemade incendiary device made out of a beer bottle into a first-floor room, setting off a "substantial fire." He then smashed a window of an adjacent room, entered and deployed a second device, according to the affidavit, before exiting the residence and fleeing. Balmer told police that had he encountered Shapiro, "he would have beaten him with his hammer," the affidavit said, which added that "Balmer admitted to harboring hatred" toward Shapiro. The governor recounted during a news conference Sunday that he and his family awoke to the noise of a state trooper banging on their door. State police said the incident unfolded over "several minutes," and that while security knew a breach had occurred on the sprawling property, the intruder managed to evade them while troopers went to ensure the governor's safety. No one was injured. Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday that a third-party expert would conduct an independent security review of the incident. Balmer remains jailed after a judge on Monday denied him bail during a preliminary arraignment; he did not enter a plea. During his appearance, he rejected having a mental illness or requiring medication. "That's the rumor, but no, ma'am," he told the judge. Balmer also said that he lives with his parents and was unemployed, but that his last job was as a welder at a truck body manufacturer. He added that he has "a lot" of children, and has previously been arrested, but "missed a few" court dates. Records show he was due to appear in court this week involving charges of simple assault related to a January 2023 domestic dispute. Penbrook police said they had responded to the home of Balmer's then-wife, after a child called 911 to say his stepfather was assaulting his mother. Balmer "advised that he had taken a bottle full of pills in an attempt to kill himself," the complaint said. He began arguing with his wife, and then shoved her 13-year-old son when the child intervened, the complaint added. Balmer was accused of physically assaulting his wife, her son and another 10-year-old son. The court hearing this week was continued in light of his arrest, court officials said. Over the years, Balmer had also pleaded guilty to forgery and theft in 2015 and again to forgery in 2016. He did hold a steady job for several years as a mechanic. Dipesh Modi, the owner of Kindermans Auto Repair in Harrisburg, said "nothing stood out" about Balmer, and their parting in 2022 was "mutual." But Balmer's mother said she was concerned about his mental health in recent days, and told The Associated Press on Monday that he was not taking his medication and that "nobody would help" when she called authorities last week. Penbrook police Lt. Jesse Foltz confirmed the department did receive a call from Balmer's mother on Thursday asking for help for her son after he left the family's home. But Foltz said that because Baumer hadn't articulated any actual threats to himself or others, police could not hold him for an involuntary mental health evaluation. Balmer's mother also told police she tried getting help from the local crisis intervention office, and that her son became upset because she called them. The office did not return a request for comment. Balmer's mother and his ex-girlfriend who called police following the arson attack also didn't respond to requests for comment. Shapiro on Wednesday made his first public appearance since the weekend at an opening of a new Hershey Company manufacturing plant. He alluded to the attack in his remarks. "I think it is particularly good and meaningful for me to be here today, given the events of this past weekend, to celebrate the growth of this iconic company," he said. "I know it's easy to look at the world and see the people who are trying to tear things down."
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
PA Governor Josh Shapiro's Alleged Arsonist's Sad Mug Shot Released
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's alleged arsonist had his mugshot publicly released Monday -- and the guy certainly appears glum. The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office released the booking photo of Cody Balmer, who allegedly set fire to Shapiro's house while the governor, his wife, his kids and another family were inside as they celebrated Passover -- the Jewish holiday -- this past weekend. Luckily, the Shapiros and their guests made it out of the blaze alive and unscathed. Check out the mug shot ... Balmer looks like he just lost his dog, with his droopy face and sullen eyes. Prosecutors just hit Balmer with a truckload of charges, including attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, reckless endangerment, terrorism and other offenses. Meanwhile, Dauphin County Prison Warden Gregory Briggs tells TMZ ... Balmer is currently being evaluated at a Pennsylvania hospital, which is why his arraignment Monday morning was canceled. A rep for the Pennsylvania State Police tells us Balmer suffered a "medical event" unrelated to his arson arrest, but his condition was not immediately released. What's more, Briggs says he's been in talks with state correction officials about housing Balmer in one of their facilities. Briggs says there's concern about Balmer's violent nature, and says state penitentiaries are better equipped to deal with those security issues. According to court documents, Balmer confessed to scaling a fence, breaking a window with a hammer, and tossing Molotov cocktails inside Shapiro's house, which badly damaged a portion of it. The documents say Balmer ordered his ex-girlfriend to tell cops he was responsible for the alleged crimes before he surrendered to the police.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Suspect Charged in Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion Arson
Authorities have arrested and charged a Harrisburg man suspected of setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's home early Sunday, according to the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office. The governor and his family were in their home at the time of the attack and were safely evacuated. Authorities say the suspect, identified as Cody A. Balmer, told police that he had set the governor's home on fire and claimed he would have 'beaten him with a hammer' if Gov. Shapiro had found him. 'This weekend, our family witnessed the incredible bravery and excellence of our first responders,' Gov. Shapiro shared on X Monday morning. 'The entire Shapiro family is eternally grateful for the @PAStatePolice troopers who safely evacuated our family from danger, the firefighters who quickly put out the fire at the Governor's Residence, and the law enforcement officials who've worked to investigate this attack.' The governor's family, and other guests were celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover, which commemorates the Exodus of Jews from slavery in Egypt, the night of the attack. 'I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night. I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love," Shapiro said during a press conference on Monday. Balmer has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism, and related offenses. Here's what to know. The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer. Balmer previously worked at Kindermans Auto Repair Shop in Harrisburg, Penn. 'In light of current events regarding a former employee of ours, we would like to say that he has not worked for us for over 2 years,' the local shop posted on Facebook. 'While we are saddened to learn of these current charges, we fully support our men and women in law enforcement as well as our government officials. We have no further comment at this time.' Balmer often shared memes on his Facebook account. 'Can't pay rent? Sell your fucking organs!,' Balmer wrote in a 2022 post where he shared a meme. 'This is America be grateful for the opportunity you had.' He also shared posts about turning to crime, and another with an embroidered Molotov cocktail that read 'Be the light you want to see in the world.' Balmer has previously faced charges for theft and forgery, and was also charged with assault in 2023, according to NBC News. Around 2 a.m., Gov. Shapiro says he and his family awoke to a state trooper banging on his door after an arsonist had set his home on fire. They safely left their home while firefighters extinguished the flames. Video surveillance of the incident shows that the suspect climbed over a fence before breaking into the governor's home through the piano room windows and throwing in an incendiary device, according to the affidavit. A second device was thrown in the dining room and other areas of the home. The suspect later exited the same way he came in, climbing over the perimeter fence to leave the scene. The Pennsylvania State Police, Harrisburg Fire, and FBI are all investigating the incident. Shapiro thanked FBI Director Kash Patel and the President of the United States for their support during Monday's press conference. 'Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and the messages of support that we've received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United States,' Shapiro said. 'I want you to know that your prayers lift us up. And in this moment of darkness we are choosing to see light.' After the attack, authorities received a tip from Balmer's ex partner. Balmer allegedly informed his ex that he had committed the crime and wanted her to call the police to turn him in. Later, a Pennsylvania State Police member was approached by Balmer outside of the department's headquarters, where Balmer confessed that he had committed the crime and wanted to be turned in. Balmer confessed to authorities that he harbored hatred towards Shapiro. To make the incendiary devices, Balmer said he took gasoline from a lawn mower and poured it into Heineken bottles. He said he walked from his house to the governor's home, to throw the bottles into Shapiro's home. During Monday's press conference, Shapiro said that authorities were aware that the attack was targeted, but authorities have not yet discovered the exact motive. Authorities said they don't anticipate any charges for conspiracy. 'This type of violence is not OK,' Shapiro said. 'This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other.' Contact us at letters@
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
"Harboring hatred": Police say Shapiro arson suspect confessed to targeting Democratic governor
The 38-year-old man accused of setting fire to the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro confessed to "harboring hatred" towards the Democratic politician, prosecutors said Monday. Early Sunday morning, Shapiro and his family were woken by police after a man broke into the official governor's residence in Harrisburg and set fire to the room where they had just celebrated the first night of Passover. Police say that the blaze was set by Cody Balmer, who turned himself in on Sunday afternoon, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. According to authorities, he broke a window at Shapiro's residence and then threw multiple bottles full of gasoline before fleeing the scene. Balmer, who faces charges of arson and homicide, among other offenses, confessed to "harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro," per the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office. According to prosecutors, he also admitted that, had he encountered the governor, "he would have beaten him with his hammer," NBC News reported. Balmer turned himself in on Sunday after police were contacted by a woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors said police later recovered a bag containing a sledgehammer and other items "identical to those observed in the surveillance at the Governor's residence."
