(NewsNation) — Prosecutors believe religious bias was a factor in the arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion while the governor and his family slept inside, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told NewsNation.
“We do believe that there was a religious bias involved, and we’re going to pursue that in our prosecution,” Chardo said Tuesday, citing evidence from search warrants indicating the suspect focused on “Palestine and the governor’s views on Israel.”
Cody Balmer is being held without bail on charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary and terrorism following the early Sunday attack, which occurred hours after Shapiro and his family celebrated Passover.
Chardo said Balmer admitted he “harbored hatred” for Shapiro and told authorities he would have “beaten him with a hammer” if he had encountered the governor during the incident.
While Pennsylvania has an ethnic intimidation statute that functions as a hate crime enhancement, Chardo explained that adding such charges would not increase the severity of punishment since Balmer already faces five first-degree felonies. However, prosecutors plan to use bias-based offense provisions in sentencing guidelines if Balmer is convicted.
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Cody Balmer is being held without bail on charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary and terrorism following the early Sunday attack, which occurred hours after Shapiro and his family celebrated Passover. -
This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP) -
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a news conference at the governor’s official residence about a suspected arson fire that forced him, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy) -
This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP) -
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: Police line cordon is seen at Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion after a suspected arson attack caused significant damage in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images) -
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images) -
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images) -
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The district attorney noted that Balmer’s decision to turn himself in to police after the attack could actually strengthen the prosecution’s case by demonstrating competence and undermining potential insanity claims.
“He knew what he was doing was wrong and that the police would be looking for him,” Chardo told NewsNation.
Law enforcement had visited Balmer’s parents’ home, where he lived, days before the attack, but no action could be taken because no threats were made at that time. Balmer’s mother has indicated he struggled with mental health issues.
The case will next move to a preliminary hearing.