Latest news with #SederofPassover
CNN
16-04-2025
- Politics
- CNN
PennLive: Cody Balmer, the suspect in arson at Pennsylvania governor's home targeted the governor for his views on war in Gaza, warrant says
Source: CNN Cody Balmer, the man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence, allegedly told 911 operators he targeted the governor in part because of his views on the war in Gaza, according to a search warrant obtained by news site PennLive. The warrant said Balmer called 911 early Sunday morning after the fire at the governor's residence, and said Shapiro needs to know he 'will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,' according to the PennLive report. CNN has not independently viewed the search warrant, however a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Courts acknowledged the warrant in an email Tuesday evening. 'It was not released by my office or court administration,' the spokesperson said. 'Once we have anything that is docketed, we will send them out immediately.' CNN has reached out to the Dauphin County District Attorney's office and the Pennsylvania State Police. According to the PennLive report, Balmer also told 911 operators Shapiro needed to 'stop having my friends killed,' and that 'our people have been put through too much by that monster,' the warrant said. The warrant notes Balmer's 'intonation and cadence' sounded like his was 'possibly reading from a script,' according to PennLive. Law enforcement officials have not conclusively said Balmer's alleged attack was motivated by hate or antisemitism. 'I can't speak to it directly because it's not of record,' Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told CNN's Jim Sciutto on Monday when asked if antisemitism motivated the arson. 'We're looking at the possibility that it was geared towards the governor's religion and his views on Israel,' continued Chardo. Earlier Monday, a source familiar with the investigation said there was not yet an indication antisemitism was a factor in the incident but the investigation into Balmer and his motives remained ongoing. But on Tuesday, Chardo told CNN affiliate KYW, 'we do have evidence of that — that I believe is of record — that [Balmer] made reference to the governor's faith.' During his arraignment Monday, Balmer was not charged with any additional crimes related to hate. Shapiro, who just hours before the attack was celebrating Passover with his family, highlighted at a news conference on Sunday his pride in his Jewish faith, saying, 'if he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover.' Balmer, 38, has faced personal and financial turmoil in recent years – including allegations that he assaulted his wife and young children amid a suicide attempt. Investigators believe mental health issues may be a factor, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Officials were struck by how casual and relaxed the suspect was throughout the ordeal, the source said. The US Justice Department is assisting with the investigation, Attorney General Pam Bondi said at a news conference Wednesday, where she called the fire 'absolutely horrific' and indicated she believed the suspect's goal was to harm the governor. 'I firmly believe that they wanted to kill him,' Bondi said. Balmer shared Facebook posts critical of former President Joe Biden, but doesn't appear to have mentioned Shapiro, also a Democrat. In an interview with police, Balmer admitted to 'harboring hatred' toward Shapiro, and said he would have beaten the governor with a hammer if found during the attack, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by CNN. Balmer is a registered voter in Pennsylvania but is not affiliated with a political party, according to state records. On his Facebook account, he has made multiple posts since 2021 that are critical of Biden. A post from January 2021 says in part, 'Biden supporters shouldn't exist. Where were you his first run? Well aware of the trash he is.' Another post from the same month reads in part, 'RIP Joe Biden….. Whoops that's in May, #notmypresidenteither.' In September 2021, Balmer posted a meme criticizing Biden's handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The meme shows Biden in a car with text that reads, 'Get in, loser. We're leaving Afghanistan.' The next image shows the former president appearing to drive off with text that says '*Drives off without you*.' In June 2022, Balmer shared on Facebook what appears to be a photo of a needlepoint illustration of a flaming Molotov cocktail – the same weapon authorities say he used to start the fires at Shapiro's residence. 'Be the light you want to see in the world,' the original image declared. See Full Web Article
CNN
16-04-2025
- Politics
- CNN
PennLive: Suspect in arson at Pennsylvania governor's home targeted the governor for his views on war in Gaza, warrant says
Cody Balmer, the man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence, allegedly told 911 operators he targeted the governor in part because of his views on the war in Gaza, according to a search warrant obtained by news site PennLive. The warrant said Balmer called 911 early Sunday morning after the fire at the governor's residence, and said Shapiro needs to know he 'will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,' according to the PennLive report. CNN has not independently viewed the search warrant, however a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Courts acknowledged the warrant in an email Tuesday evening. 'It was not released by my office or court administration,' the spokesperson said. 'Once we have anything that is docketed, we will send them out immediately.' CNN has reached out to the Dauphin County District Attorney's office and the Pennsylvania State Police. According to the PennLive report, Balmer also told 911 operators Shapiro needed to 'stop having my friends killed,' and that 'our people have been put through too much by that monster,' the warrant said. The warrant notes Balmer's 'intonation and cadence' sounded like his was 'possibly reading from a script,' according to PennLive. Law enforcement officials have not conclusively said Balmer's alleged attack was motivated by hate or antisemitism. 'I can't speak to it directly because it's not of record,' Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told CNN's Jim Sciutto on Monday when asked if antisemitism motivated the arson. 'We're looking at the possibility that it was geared towards the governor's religion and his views on Israel,' continued Chardo. Earlier Monday, a source familiar with the investigation said there was not yet an indication antisemitism was a factor in the incident but the investigation into Balmer and his motives remained ongoing. But on Tuesday, Chardo told CNN affiliate KYW, 'we do have evidence of that—that I believe is of record—that [Balmer] made reference to the governor's faith.' During his arraignment Monday, Balmer was not charged with any additional crimes related to hate. Shapiro, who just hours before the attack was celebrating Passover with his family, highlighted at a news conference on Sunday his pride in his Jewish faith, saying, 'if he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover.' Balmer, 38, has faced personal and financial turmoil in recent years – including allegations that he assaulted his wife and young children amid a suicide attempt. Investigators believe mental health issues may be a factor, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Officials were struck by how casual and relaxed the suspect was throughout the ordeal, the source said. Balmer shared Facebook posts critical of former President Joe Biden, but doesn't appear to have mentioned Shapiro, also a Democrat. In an interview with police, Balmer admitted to 'harboring hatred' toward Shapiro, and said he would have beaten the governor with a hammer if found during the attack, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by CNN. Balmer is a registered voter in Pennsylvania but is not affiliated with a political party, according to state records. On his Facebook account, he has made multiple posts since 2021 that are critical of Biden. A post from January 2021 says in part, 'Biden supporters shouldn't exist. Where were you his first run? Well aware of the trash he is.' Another post from the same month reads in part, 'RIP Joe Biden….. Whoops that's in May, #notmypresidenteither.' In September 2021, Balmer posted a meme criticizing Biden's handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The meme shows Biden in a car with text that reads, 'Get in, loser. We're leaving Afghanistan.' The next image shows the former president appearing to drive off with text that says '*Drives off without you*.' In June 2022, Balmer shared on Facebook what appears to be a photo of a needlepoint illustration of a flaming Molotov cocktail – the same weapon authorities say he used to start the fires at Shapiro's residence. 'Be the light you want to see in the world,' the original image declared.
CNN
16-04-2025
- Politics
- CNN
PennLive: Suspect in arson at Pennsylvania governor's home targeted the governor for his views on war in Gaza, warrant says
Cody Balmer, the man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence, allegedly told 911 operators he targeted the governor in part because of his views on the war in Gaza, according to a search warrant obtained by news site PennLive. The warrant said Balmer called 911 early Sunday morning after the fire at the governor's residence, and said Shapiro needs to know he 'will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,' according to the PennLive report. CNN has not independently viewed the search warrant, however a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Courts acknowledged the warrant in an email Tuesday evening. 'It was not released by my office or court administration,' the spokesperson said. 'Once we have anything that is docketed, we will send them out immediately.' CNN has reached out to the Dauphin County District Attorney's office and the Pennsylvania State Police. According to the PennLive report, Balmer also told 911 operators Shapiro needed to 'stop having my friends killed,' and that 'our people have been put through too much by that monster,' the warrant said. The warrant notes Balmer's 'intonation and cadence' sounded like his was 'possibly reading from a script,' according to PennLive. Law enforcement officials have not conclusively said Balmer's alleged attack was motivated by hate or antisemitism. 'I can't speak to it directly because it's not of record,' Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told CNN's Jim Sciutto on Monday when asked if antisemitism motivated the arson. 'We're looking at the possibility that it was geared towards the governor's religion and his views on Israel,' continued Chardo. Earlier Monday, a source familiar with the investigation said there was not yet an indication antisemitism was a factor in the incident but the investigation into Balmer and his motives remained ongoing. But on Tuesday, Chardo told CNN affiliate KYW, 'we do have evidence of that—that I believe is of record—that [Balmer] made reference to the governor's faith.' During his arraignment Monday, Balmer was not charged with any additional crimes related to hate. Shapiro, who just hours before the attack was celebrating Passover with his family, highlighted at a news conference on Sunday his pride in his Jewish faith, saying, 'if he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover.' Balmer, 38, has faced personal and financial turmoil in recent years – including allegations that he assaulted his wife and young children amid a suicide attempt. Investigators believe mental health issues may be a factor, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Officials were struck by how casual and relaxed the suspect was throughout the ordeal, the source said. Balmer shared Facebook posts critical of former President Joe Biden, but doesn't appear to have mentioned Shapiro, also a Democrat. In an interview with police, Balmer admitted to 'harboring hatred' toward Shapiro, and said he would have beaten the governor with a hammer if found during the attack, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by CNN. Balmer is a registered voter in Pennsylvania but is not affiliated with a political party, according to state records. On his Facebook account, he has made multiple posts since 2021 that are critical of Biden. A post from January 2021 says in part, 'Biden supporters shouldn't exist. Where were you his first run? Well aware of the trash he is.' Another post from the same month reads in part, 'RIP Joe Biden….. Whoops that's in May, #notmypresidenteither.' In September 2021, Balmer posted a meme criticizing Biden's handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The meme shows Biden in a car with text that reads, 'Get in, loser. We're leaving Afghanistan.' The next image shows the former president appearing to drive off with text that says '*Drives off without you*.' In June 2022, Balmer shared on Facebook what appears to be a photo of a needlepoint illustration of a flaming Molotov cocktail – the same weapon authorities say he used to start the fires at Shapiro's residence. 'Be the light you want to see in the world,' the original image declared.
CNN
16-04-2025
- Politics
- CNN
PennLive: Suspect in arson at Pennsylvania governor's home targeted the governor for his views on war in Gaza, warrant says
Cody Balmer, the man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence, allegedly told 911 operators he targeted the governor in part because of his views on the war in Gaza, according to a search warrant obtained by news site PennLive. The warrant said Balmer called 911 early Sunday morning after the fire at the governor's residence, and said Shapiro needs to know he 'will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,' according to the PennLive report. CNN has not independently viewed the search warrant, however a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Courts acknowledged the warrant in an email Tuesday evening. 'It was not released by my office or court administration,' the spokesperson said. 'Once we have anything that is docketed, we will send them out immediately.' CNN has reached out to the Dauphin County District Attorney's office and the Pennsylvania State Police. According to the PennLive report, Balmer also told 911 operators Shapiro needed to 'stop having my friends killed,' and that 'our people have been put through too much by that monster,' the warrant said. The warrant notes Balmer's 'intonation and cadence' sounded like his was 'possibly reading from a script,' according to PennLive. Law enforcement officials have not conclusively said Balmer's alleged attack was motivated by hate or antisemitism. 'I can't speak to it directly because it's not of record,' Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told CNN's Jim Sciutto on Monday when asked if antisemitism motivated the arson. 'We're looking at the possibility that it was geared towards the governor's religion and his views on Israel,' continued Chardo. Earlier Monday, a source familiar with the investigation said there was not yet an indication antisemitism was a factor in the incident but the investigation into Balmer and his motives remained ongoing. But on Tuesday, Chardo told CNN affiliate KYW, 'we do have evidence of that—that I believe is of record—that [Balmer] made reference to the governor's faith.' During his arraignment Monday, Balmer was not charged with any additional crimes related to hate. Shapiro, who just hours before the attack was celebrating Passover with his family, highlighted at a news conference on Sunday his pride in his Jewish faith, saying, 'if he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover.' Balmer, 38, has faced personal and financial turmoil in recent years – including allegations that he assaulted his wife and young children amid a suicide attempt. Investigators believe mental health issues may be a factor, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Officials were struck by how casual and relaxed the suspect was throughout the ordeal, the source said. Balmer shared Facebook posts critical of former President Joe Biden, but doesn't appear to have mentioned Shapiro, also a Democrat. In an interview with police, Balmer admitted to 'harboring hatred' toward Shapiro, and said he would have beaten the governor with a hammer if found during the attack, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by CNN. Balmer is a registered voter in Pennsylvania but is not affiliated with a political party, according to state records. On his Facebook account, he has made multiple posts since 2021 that are critical of Biden. A post from January 2021 says in part, 'Biden supporters shouldn't exist. Where were you his first run? Well aware of the trash he is.' Another post from the same month reads in part, 'RIP Joe Biden….. Whoops that's in May, #notmypresidenteither.' In September 2021, Balmer posted a meme criticizing Biden's handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The meme shows Biden in a car with text that reads, 'Get in, loser. We're leaving Afghanistan.' The next image shows the former president appearing to drive off with text that says '*Drives off without you*.' In June 2022, Balmer shared on Facebook what appears to be a photo of a needlepoint illustration of a flaming Molotov cocktail – the same weapon authorities say he used to start the fires at Shapiro's residence. 'Be the light you want to see in the world,' the original image declared.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Josh Shapiro's Firebombed House Revealed in New Inside Pics
New photos have been released capturing the horrific aftermath of a suspected arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's home. In a social media post Sunday, the Democratic governor announced that he and his family were woken up in their home at 2 a.m. by police alerting them that a fire had been set ablaze to the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Shapiro and his family were able to evacuate safely and the fire was successfully extinguished. A 38-year-old suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, has been taken into custody, officials announced in a news conference Sunday afternoon. Balmer is expected to be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. Photos published by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's website show the stark damage done to the property which was left destroyed and ashen following the incident. Shapiro said Sunday that the fire was lit in a room where he and his friends and family celebrated Passover Seder the night prior. The newly released photos show the charred remains of the family's celebrations just hours earlier. Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement Sunday morning that the fire had left a 'significant amount of damage' to part of the residence. They also added that it was 'an act of arson.' Authorities allege that Balmer hopped over a fence to forcibly enter the residence. They further claimed that he had homemade incendiary devices, with police deputy commissioner George Bivens saying that the attack seemed to have been meticulously planned. 'If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: We celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover,' Shapiro said in a news conference Sunday. 'Again, proudly, no one will deter me or my family, or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.' 'This type of violence is not OK,' he continued. 'This kind of violence has become far too common in our society. And I don't give a damn if it's coming from one side or the other … It is not OK and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.'
