Lawmakers on either side of the political aisle have been fast to sentence acts of violence after a person was arrested for allegedly setting hearth to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion whereas Gov. Josh Shapiro and his household slept inside.
“There is no such thing as a place in our society for political violence and actions like this. I’m praying for Governor Shapiro and his household — and hope the heroes in PA legislation enforcement carry these accountable to justice,” Home Majority Chief Steve Scalise, R-La., mentioned in a press release following the assault.
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., wrote on X, “The assault on Governor Shapiro and his household on the primary night time of Passover is hateful and horrific. I’m grateful for his or her security and sending like to him and his household.”
Cody Balmer, 38, will face costs together with tried homicide, terrorism and aggravated arson, officers mentioned at a press convention Sunday.
Rep. Elise Stefanik and Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries, proper, have been two of the main lawmakers to sentence the alleged assault on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. (Reuters/Getty)
Authorities say he “actively evaded” legislation enforcement stationed on the mansion and “forcibly entered” to set the blaze.
Photos launched publicly of the aftermath confirmed ash-covered rooms and intensive hearth harm.
Shapiro, who’s Jewish, mentioned he and his household have been woken up round 2 a.m. to evacuate their residence after celebrating the primary night time of Passover.
Nobody was injured, nevertheless, the potential 2028 presidential nominee mentioned.
It’s notable that, within the present hyper-partisan surroundings, Republicans and Democrats have been fast to sentence the alleged violence — and never on dissimilar strains.
A picture from contained in the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion following the alleged assault. (Commonwealth Media Providers)
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., referred to as the incident “deeply disturbing and really scary” and referred to as for the perpetrator’s prosecution “to the fullest extent of the legislation.”
On the other facet of the aisle, Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., equally mentioned, “Political violence of any sort isn’t acceptable, and it’s particularly unconscionable to assault a Jewish household in the course of the first night time of Passover. Everybody accountable have to be prosecuted to the total extent of the legislation.”
Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation additionally confirmed a united entrance, with former Home Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry, R-Pa., writing on X, “Glad to study that the Governor and his household are protected after this inexcusable and terrifying incident.”
Intensive hearth harm to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence is seen throughout a press convention on April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Matthew Hatcher/Getty Photos)
Rep. Summer time Lee, D-Pa., a member of the progressive “Squad,” referred to as for a “swift investigation.”
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“This have to be condemned with out hesitation, and the cowardly criminals accountable should face the total pressure of the legislation,” mentioned Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.
“We should keep in mind: what unites us as a group — and as a rustic — will at all times be better than something that seeks to divide us. That’s the power of America. And collectively is the one manner we transfer ahead.”
Moreover, Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., responded to pictures of the hearth harm, “Any such violence can’t be tolerated and the criminals accountable have to be prosecuted for these deplorable actions.”
