Arson Suspect Admitted Hatred Against Pennsylvania Governor, Officials Say

No specific motive has been ascribed for the attack on the mansion, which came hours after the Shapiro family’s Passover dinner.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his budget address for the 2025–26 fiscal year to a joint session of the state House and Senate at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., on Feb. 4, 2025. Matt Rourke/AP Photo, File

The man accused of carrying out an arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion in Harrisburg over the weekend admitted “harboring hatred” against the governor, officials said in court documents.

Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested and charged with aggravated arson, attempted murder, terrorism, and related charges, Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo said in a statement.