The suspect in the arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence said he targeted the Jewish politician over “what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,” according to documents.
The alleged firebug Cody Balmer called 911 following the Sunday attack, identified himself by name, and delivered the chilling message addressed to the governor over the phone, according to a search warrant obtained by PennLive.
Balmer, 38, said Shapiro, who was hosting Passover dinner just hours before the blaze, needed to know he “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,” the police warrant read, according to the outlet.
“You all know where to find me. I’m not hiding, and I will confess to everything that I had done,” Balmer allegedly told a 911 operator over the phone, according to the warrant.
State police said the accused arsonist targeted the Democratic governor “based upon perceived injustices to the people of Palestine” as well as his Jewish faith in the warrant.
Balmer taunted reporters on — sticking his tongue out and making sick faces to photographers while being led out of a Pennsylvania district court in cuffs on Monday.
The alleged arsonist turned himself in to police at state headquarters in Harrisburg on Sunday.