President Donald Trump said the alleged arsonist who attacked Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro‘s home was “probably just a whack job”.
Trump made the remarks while telling reporters in the Oval Office Monday he isn’t aware of any motive behind the arson attack allegedly carried out by suspect Cody Balmer.
Why It Matters
Police have not established a motive for the attack, but Balmer admitted to “harboring hatred” towards Shapiro, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Social media profiles believed to be linked to Balmer shows the suspect wrote several posts criticizing former President Joe Biden.
This image released by Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office shows Cody Balmer, who is accused of breaking into the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg and setting it on fire on April 13, 2025. This image released by Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office shows Cody Balmer, who is accused of breaking into the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg and setting it on fire on April 13, 2025. Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office
What to Know
The home of Shapiro was targeted in the early hours of Sunday morning, resulting in the Democrat and his family being evacuated from their residence. No one was hurt in the arson attack, but the governor’s mansion was severely damaged.
Balmer, 38, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism, and related offenses in connection to the attack. He was denied bail following his first court appearance on Monday.
Police said he was armed with a hammer and intended to beat Shapiro with it if the two came face-to-face.
Balmer’s mother said she tried to warn authorities in the lead-up to the attack about her son’s declining mental state after he stopped taking medication. Balmer denied in court having any mental illness.
Court records show Balmer has been arrested multiple times in Pennsylvania over the years for offences such as forgery, simple assault and driving with a suspended license.
Balmer was arrested on Sunday in connection to the attack on Shapiro’s home after handing himself into authorities.
What People are Saying
President Donald Trump on Monday: “The attacker was not a fan of Trump, I understand, just from what i read and from what I’ve been told. The attacker basically wasn’t a fan of any of anybody, he’s probably just a whack job, and certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.”
Governor Josh Shapiro during a Sunday press conference: “I don’t know the person’s specific motive yet, but we do know a few truths. First, this type of violence is not okay. 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, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another. It is not okay, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said in statement on Sunday: “I am deeply relieved that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe, thankful for the first responders who arrived on the scene, and applaud the police work that resulted in an arrest just hours ago.”
What Happens Next
Balmer is expected back in court for a preliminary hearing on April 23
