Latest news with #PAStatePolice
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man charged after Pennsylvania State Police Gettysburg bomb threat
ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A man was accused Tuesday of making a bomb threat towards Pennsylvania State Police out of Gettysburg because he wanted to see what would happen, court documents show. Dylan Shaffer, 25, of Allegheny County, allegedly posted on April 21 on Facebook, 'I put a bomb outside the Gettysburg station (tagging) PA State Police,' the charges filed by State Police show. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now He also created a follow-up post saying '(tagged) PA State Police hope u find the (bomb) before it blows up,' State Police said. Shaffer told investigators he made the threat because 'he thought it would be funny and wanted to see what kind of reaction he would receive,' State Police said. According to the charges filed, Troopers learned that Shaffer has a history of making threats. He was involved in multiple investigations in the Centre County area regarding threats, and he also had a past history of making bomb threats. Shaffer was also reportedly charged with making an alleged mass shooting threat while in a game chat in February. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Shaffer faces two felony charges of bomb threats and criminal use of a communication facility, and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. He has yet to be arraigned on his charges, court records show. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro says he hasn't heard from Trump since the arson attack
After a man tried to assassinate Donald Trump in July at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the state's Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, quickly issued a statement condemning the attempt on the Republican presidential candidate's life. 'Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,' Shapiro posted on X that day. 'It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation. @PAStatePolice are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.'In the 24 hours after the attack, Shapiro worked closely with law enforcement, including calling Republican members of Congress present at the rally, then-President Joe Biden and the Trump campaign (although he did not speak directly to Trump). He also called and spoke with the family of Corey Comperatore, the Trump supporter who was shot and killed. Yet three days after an arson attack on Shapiro's residence in Harrisburg on Sunday, Trump still has not called Shapiro or weighed in significantly to condemn the violence. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Shapiro told reporters Wednesday afternoon that he has not yet heard from Trump since the attack. Law enforcement has charged Cody A. Balmer, 38, with the crime, alleging that he broke into the governor's home and started multiple fires with Molotov cocktails while Shapiro and his family were inside. The fire came just hours after the Shapiros hosted Passover dinner at their house. Shapiro said they had to evacuate after they were awakened by loud bangs on their door. No one was hurt, but the home sustained significant damage. Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, put out a statement sharply criticizing Trump for not weighing in. "Last year, Trump didn't hesitate to call Josh Shapiro a 'highly overrated Jewish governor.' Now, nearly four days after Gov. Shapiro was targeted in an act of political violence — reportedly due to his position on Israel — Trump hasn't clearly condemned it." 'Trump feigns support for Jewish Americans and Israel, but his actions suggest otherwise," Soifer added. "He's a hypocrite who condones political violence when it suits his political agenda, and his silence amid this targeted arsonist attack on Gov. Shapiro speaks volumes. Shame on the President.' Others in the Trump administration have condemned the attack, as have prominent congressional Republicans. 'Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack,' Vice President JD Vance commented Sunday on X. 'Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.' Speaking with reporters at a Wednesday briefing, Attorney General Pam Bondi said both she and FBI Director Kash Patel spoke with Shapiro after the attack, which she called 'horrific.' Bondi said she "firmly believe[d]" the attack was intended to kill Shapiro, pledging to continue to work with state authorities to do 'anything we can to help convict the person that did this and keep them behind bars, as long as possible.' Shapiro himself noted Monday that he had been in touch with Patel, who promised that the federal government would assist in the investigation. The same day, a reporter asked Trump whether the FBI had determined a motive behind the attack on Shapiro. 'No, I haven't, but the attacker was not a fan of Trump, I understand — just from what I read and from what I've been told,' Trump said in his most extensive comments on the fire. 'The attacker basically wasn't a fan of anybody. He's probably just a whack job. And certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.' Newly released search warrants suggest that Balmer was upset by Shapiro's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Around 2:50 a.m. Sunday, about 50 minutes after the fire, he reportedly called 911 and told a dispatcher that he 'will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.' It is not entirely clear whether he was referring to Shapiro. Balmer's social media presence suggested anti-government views, including negative content about Biden. Shapiro told reporters Wednesday that the political motivation behind the attack was not the most important issue. 'I know that there are people out there who want to ascribe their own viewpoints as to what happened here and why,' he said, adding: 'I choose not to participate in that. I said after the assassination attempt on the president … in Butler, I said in Altoona — after we captured the individual who shot and killed the United Healthcare CEO — and I said on Sunday that this kind of violence has no place in our society, regardless of what motivates it. This is not how we resolve our differences. And this is not OK. This level of violence has to end, and it has to be roundly condemned by everyone, both political parties, people from all different walks of life.' The conduct of Shapiro — who is widely discussed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate and was in the running to be Kamala Harris' running mate last year — in assisting with the Butler investigation drew widespread praise, including from Republicans in the state. Speaking with NBC News' 'Meet the Press' in July, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., said he appreciated having heard from Shapiro 'immediately' as he was leaving the rally, adding that Shapiro asked: 'Hey, what happened? What can we do? Are we — do we have enough state troopers?' Meuser later told NBC News that Shapiro 'was on the job' and that 'it was a great conversation.' Yet Meuser, a potential challenger to Shapiro in 2026, was far more critical of him Wednesday, suggesting that while the arsonist who attacked the Governor's Residence was 'a psycho,' Shapiro's rhetoric and actions may be contributing to the problem. 'They got to tone it down, too,' Meuser, who earlier posted a lengthy condemnation of the attack, said in a radio interview. 'I mean, every action Josh Shapiro has taken against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood. … That's not helpful, either.' Shapiro seemed surprised by the remarks when a reporter asked him about them Wednesday, replying, 'He said that?' 'Look, I've said for years leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity,' Shapiro said. 'It would appear the congressman failed to measure up to that.' This article was originally published on
NBC News
17-04-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro says he hasn't heard from Trump since the arson attack
After a man tried to assassinate Donald Trump in July at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the state's Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, quickly issued a statement condemning the attempt on the Republican presidential candidate's life. 'Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,' Shapiro posted on X that day. 'It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation. @PAStatePolice are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.' In the 24 hours after the attack, Shapiro worked closely with law enforcement, including calling Republican members of Congress present at the rally, then-President Joe Biden and the Trump campaign (although he did not speak directly to Trump). He also called and spoke with the family of Corey Comperatore, the Trump supporter who was shot and killed. Yet three days after an arson attack on Shapiro's residence in Harrisburg Sunday, Trump still has not called Shapiro or weighed in significantly to condemn the violence. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Shapiro told reporters Wednesday afternoon that he has not yet heard from Trump since the attack. Law enforcement has charged Cody A. Balmer, 38, with the crime, alleging that he broke into the governor's home and started multiple fires with Molotov cocktails while Shapiro and his family were inside. The fire came just hours after the Shapiros hosted Passover dinner at their house. Shapiro said they had to evacuate after they were awakened by loud bangs on their door. No one was hurt, but the home sustained significant damage. Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, put out a statement sharply criticizing Trump for not weighing in. "Last year, Trump didn't hesitate to call Josh Shapiro a 'highly overrated Jewish governor.' Now, nearly four days after Gov. Shapiro was targeted in an act of political violence — reportedly due to his position on Israel — Trump hasn't clearly condemned it." 'Trump feigns support for Jewish Americans and Israel, but his actions suggest otherwise," Soifer added. "He's a hypocrite who condones political violence when it suits his political agenda, and his silence amid this targeted arsonist attack on Gov. Shapiro speaks volumes. Shame on the President.' Others in the Trump administration have condemned the attack, as have prominent congressional Republicans. 'Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack,' Vice President JD Vance commented Sunday on X. 'Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.' Speaking with reporters at a Wednesday briefing, Attorney General Pam Bondi said both she and FBI Director Kash Patel spoke with Shapiro after the attack, which she called 'horrific.' Bondi said she "firmly believe[d]" the attack was intended to kill Shapiro, pledging to continue to work with state authorities to do 'anything we can to help convict the person that did this and keep them behind bars, as long as possible.' Shapiro himself noted Monday that he had been in touch with Patel, who promised that the federal government would assist in the investigation. The same day, a reporter asked Trump whether the FBI had determined a motive behind the attack on Shapiro. 'No, I haven't, but the attacker was not a fan of Trump, I understand — just from what I read and from what I've been told,' Trump said in his most extensive comments on the fire. 'The attacker basically wasn't a fan of anybody. He's probably just a whack job. And certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.' Newly released search warrants suggest that Balmer was upset by Shapiro's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Around 2:50 a.m. Sunday, about 50 minutes after the fire, he reportedly called 911 and told a dispatcher that he 'will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.' It is not entirely clear whether he was referring to Shapiro. Balmer's social media presence suggested anti-government views, including negative content about Biden. Shapiro told reporters Wednesday that the political motivation behind the attack was not the most important issue. 'I know that there are people out there who want to ascribe their own viewpoints as to what happened here and why,' he said, adding: 'I choose not to participate in that. I said after the assassination attempt on the president … in Butler, I said in Altoona — after we captured the individual who shot and killed the United Healthcare CEO — and I said on Sunday that this kind of violence has no place in our society, regardless of what motivates it. This is not how we resolve our differences. And this is not OK. This level of violence has to end, and it has to be roundly condemned by everyone, both political parties, people from all different walks of life.' The conduct of Shapiro — who is widely discussed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate and was in the running to be Kamala Harris' running mate last year — in assisting with the Butler investigation drew widespread praise, including from Republicans in the state. Speaking with NBC News' 'Meet the Press' in July, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., said he appreciated having heard from Shapiro 'immediately' as he was leaving the rally, adding that Shapiro asked: 'Hey, what happened? What can we do? Are we — do we have enough state troopers?' Meuser later told NBC News that Shapiro 'was on the job' and that 'it was a great conversation.' Yet Meuser, a potential challenger to Shapiro in 2026, was far more critical of him Wednesday, suggesting that while the arsonist who attacked the Governor's Residence was 'a psycho,' Shapiro's rhetoric and actions may be contributing to the problem. ' They got to tone it down, too,' Meuser, who earlier posted a lengthy condemnation of the attack, said in a radio interview. 'I mean, every action Josh Shapiro has taken against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood. … That's not helpful, either.' Shapiro seemed surprised by the remarks when a reporter asked him about them Wednesday, replying, ' He said that?' 'Look, I've said for years leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity,' Shapiro said. 'It would appear the congressman failed to measure up to that.'
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@
The Guardian
09-03-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Small plane with five people onboard crashes in Pennsylvania
A small airplane with five people onboard crashed in a parking lot near Lancaster airport in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania, on Sunday afternoon, authorities said. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the single-engine plane was a Beechcraft Bonanza, and the incident happened around 3pm in Lancaster county. Multiple injuries were reported and authorities could not immediately provide information on any fatalities. Footage shared on social media showed black smoke rising from the wreckage and several parked cars engulfed in flames at the crash site, located about 75 miles west of Philadelphia. The FAA said it will investigate. Route 501 is closed in the area. Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro said state police are assisting local first responders. Our team at @PAStatePolice is on the ground assisting local first responders following the small private plane crash near Lancaster Airport in Manheim Township. All Commonwealth resources are available as the response continues, and more information will be provided as it… Sunday's crash follows a slew of recent aviation crashes that have spiked public concern. In late January, an American Airlines plane collided with an US army helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington DC, killing all 67 people onboard both aircraft. National Transportation Safety Board officials are still investigating the Washington crash, as well as a medical jet crash in Philadelphia, also in January, that killed seven people and a plane crash in Alaska in February that killed 10 people. Amid rising concerns, Google searches for 'is flying safe' have surged. A recent AP-Norc poll, released in February, found that 64% of Americans consider air travel very or somewhat safe, down from 71% last year.
