The attack on Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, a shocking incident that unfolded after a Passover celebration, was detailed in an exclusive interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News. The perpetrator, identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer, is currently facing charges related to setting fire to the property while Shapiro and his family were asleep.
The investigation revealed a meticulously planned assault; Balmer gained access through scaling the fence, carrying a bag containing Molotov cocktails and a hammer. Witnesses described him triggering the home’s security system, leading to a trooper’s arrival before he evaded pursuit and breached the residence with the hammer, initiating a blaze and explosion.
“I was in here at about maybe 3 o’clock in the morning with the fire chief, when it became immediately apparent to me this wasn’t just an accidental fire,” Shapiro recounted, visibly shaken by the experience. The Passover Seder, a deeply personal moment shared with family and community members – “just a really beautiful night” – was abruptly shattered.
The governor emphasized the need for decisive action beyond simply labeling the event as a crime. “I’m not sure it’s helpful for people on the outside to be weighing in with their opinions here,” he stated, highlighting the importance of allowing law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and determine motive. He acknowledged concerns regarding rising extremism, stating, “This is sadly a real part of our society today, and it needs to be universally condemned.”
Following the incident, there was considerable speculation surrounding potential motives, with some suggesting links to anti-Semitic sentiments. Shapiro responded by asserting his commitment to moral leadership and condemning violence regardless of its source. He referenced similar acts of violence – including the assassination attempt on a former president and the capture of an individual who killed a healthcare CEO – emphasizing his immediate responses in those situations. “By speaking and acting with moral clarity,” he declared, “I spoke to the victims, I went to Butler.”
The governor also addressed inquiries about communication from political figures following the attack. While he reported contact from FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, there had been no direct outreach from former President Donald Trump.
Shapiro stressed that attributing a specific label – such as “hate crime” – prematurely could hinder the legal process. He argued that focusing on evidence and applying the law fairly was paramount, particularly given his background as a prosecutor. “I know, as a former prosecutor, how important it is to follow the evidence and apply the law, and to do so without fear or favor,” he explained.
The incident has prompted widespread condemnation from lawmakers and fueled broader conversations about rising antisemitism across the nation. Shapiro underscored the importance of unity and resilience in the face of such threats, vowing to “be leading every day in a way that brings people together and doesn’t just continually divide us.”
