Harrisburg, but – – April 16, 2025 – Earlier today the State Police in Pennsylvania made a statement indicating that Cody Balmer, who is accused of assault and arson related to the Sunday morning fire in the governor’s residence, called at number 911 during which he stated that “… he would not take part in his plans for what he wants to do the Palestinian people.”
The alleged acts of assault and arson took place the first night of Passover, the Jewish holiday, which the governor of Shapiro watched with his direct and further family. So far, no hate crimes have been lodged. The decision about this belongs to the district prosecutor Francis T. Chardo.
In response, the leader of the Democratic Senate Jay Costa, whose district covers the place of the Tree of Life 2018 massacre, which took the life of eleven Jewish worshipers, issues the following statement:
“I am terrified and disgusted when I learn about the evidence that the support of Shapiro’s governor by Israel and his Jewish faith could have contributed to the motivation of the suspect to attack him and his family. Every pennsylvania, every faith and confession must be free to gather, pray and celebrate without fear.
“Our Jewish friends and neighbors are facing unprecedented threats and attacks from anti -Semitic actors, and I call everyone to make their role to discover anti -Semitism in all his forms, from online hatred to interpersonal violence and everything between.
“In addition, let me be as clear as possible: political violence is completely unacceptable, full stop. Regardless of your political opinions, our selected leaders of each party, their staff and their voters deserve to be protected and free movement through our community.
“Since the State Police in Pennsylvania is still investigating this crime, I want to offer my gratitude and support because they bring full importance of the justice system in this situation. I will not be discouraged by raising the voice and organize the legislator in order to ensure security and protect our Jewish families.”
Learn more about the involvement of the Pensylvania Senate Democrats in protected communities for every Pennsylvania here.
