In a chilling attack on Pennsylvania’s Governor during Passover, 38-year-old Cody Balmer is now facing terrorism, attempted murder, and arson charges after setting fire to Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence while his family and guests were inside celebrating the Jewish holiday.

Balmer, reportedly scaled the fence of the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg in the early morning hours of April 13 and launched Molotov cocktails into the property. The fire broke out in a section of the residence used for entertaining. Just two hours prior the governor and his family were hosting a community Passover Seder.

But the motive behind the attack is raising significant alarm.

According to law enforcement and search warrant filings, Balmer made statements that strongly suggest a pro-Palestinian political motive. He told investigators that he did not want to participate in what he described as Governor Shapiro’s “plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.” He referred to the governor as “a monster” and said “our people have been put through too much by that monster.”

Governor Shapiro, a Jewish Democrat and outspoken supporter of Israel, has been vocal in his condemnation of antisemitism and support for the Jewish state. The timing of the attack—on Passover—has only intensified speculation that the act may also have been motivated by religious hatred.

A critical detail revealed by Harrisburg’s fire chief has further highlighted how close the incident came to becoming a tragedy. The chief stated that had the interior door between the kitchen and living room not been closed, the fire likely would have spread to the bedrooms where Governor Shapiro and his family were sleeping. “It’s unknown if they would have survived,” the chief said.

Balmer eventually turned himself in to authorities and reportedly admitted to the arson. Police recovered a hammer and a container of gasoline believed to be part of his plan to cause greater harm. He allegedly told officers that if he had reached the governor, he would have used the hammer.

The FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, and other agencies are continuing to investigate the incident. While Balmer appears to have acted alone, authorities have not ruled out hate crime charges or ideological terrorism enhancements.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for increased security for elected officials and their families amid rising political and sectarian tensions.

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