Following a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, the state’s Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, swiftly released a statement denouncing the attack on the Republican presidential candidate.
“Violence directed at any political party or leader is completely unacceptable,” Shapiro wrote on X that day. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or across the United States. I have been updated on the situation. @PAStatePolice are currently on-site in Butler County, collaborating with our federal and local partners.”
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Within 24 hours of the attack, Shapiro coordinated closely with law enforcement, contacting Republican Congress members who attended the rally, then-President Joe Biden, and the Trump campaign (though he did not speak directly to Trump). He also reached out to the family of Corey Comperatore, the Trump supporter who lost his life.
Three days after an arson incident at Shapiro’s home in Harrisburg on Sunday, Trump had yet to reach out to Shapiro or make a substantial statement condemning the violence.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment.
On Wednesday afternoon, Shapiro informed reporters that he had not received any communication from Trump following the attack. Law enforcement has charged Cody A. Balmer, 38, for allegedly breaking into the governor’s residence and igniting multiple fires with Molotov cocktails while Shapiro and his family were inside.
Pennsylvania State Police
The fire broke out just hours after the Shapiro family held a Passover dinner at their home. Shapiro stated they were forced to evacuate after waking to loud banging at their door. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the residence suffered significant damage.
Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, issued a statement harshly criticizing Trump for his lack of response.
“Last year, Trump didn’t hesitate to label Josh Shapiro a ‘highly overrated Jewish governor.’ Now, almost four days after Gov. Shapiro was targeted in an act of political violence — allegedly due to his stance on Israel — Trump has not clearly condemned it.”
“Trump pretends to support Jewish Americans and Israel, but his actions indicate otherwise,” Soifer added. “He’s a hypocrite who condones political violence when it aligns with his agenda, and his silence in response to this targeted arson attack on Gov. Shapiro speaks volumes. Shame on the President.”
Others within the Trump administration have denounced the attack, as have key congressional Republicans.
“Grateful that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack,” Vice President JD Vance remarked on Sunday via X. “This is truly reprehensible violence, and I hope whoever is responsible is swiftly brought to justice.”
During a briefing on Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that both she and FBI Director Kash Patel reached out to Shapiro after the incident, which she described as “horrific.”
Bondi expressed her strong belief that the attack aimed to kill Shapiro, promising to collaborate with state authorities to ensure “everything we can do to convict the perpetrator and keep them incarcerated for as long as possible.”
Matthew Hatcher / Getty Images
On Monday, Shapiro mentioned that he had been in contact with Patel, who assured him that the federal government would aid in the investigation.
The same day, a reporter inquired if Trump had determined a motive for the attack on Shapiro.
“No, I haven’t, but I understand the attacker was not a Trump supporter — just from what I’ve read and what I’ve been told,” Trump remarked, providing his most detailed comments on the fire. “The attacker was essentially not a fan of anyone; he’s likely just a whack job. Events like this cannot be permitted.”
Newly obtained search warrants imply that Balmer was frustrated by Shapiro’s view on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At approximately 2:50 a.m. Sunday, around 50 minutes after the fire, he reportedly called 911 and informed a dispatcher that he “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.” It remains unclear if he was specifically referring to Shapiro.
Balmer’s social media activity reflected anti-government sentiments, including critical posts regarding Biden.
Shapiro conveyed to reporters on Wednesday that the political motivation behind the attack wasn’t his primary concern.
“I recognize that some people want to impose their own interpretations about what occurred and why,” he stated, adding: “I choose not to engage in that. After the assassination attempt on the president in Butler, after the individual who shot and killed the United Healthcare CEO was apprehended in Altoona, and after Sunday’s event, I reaffirm that this type of violence has no place in our society, no matter its motivation. Violence is not the solution to our disagreements. This must cease, and it needs to be universally condemned, across both political parties and all backgrounds.”
Matthew Hatcher / Getty Images
Shapiro’s handling of the Butler investigation, amid conversations about his potential candidacy for the 2028 presidential race, garnered widespread acclaim, even from some state Republicans.
In July, while speaking on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., expressed appreciation for Shapiro’s prompt response as he left the rally, recalling Shapiro asking, “What happened? What can we do? Are we — do we have enough state troopers?”
Later, Meuser told NBC News that Shapiro “was on the job” and described their conversation as “excellent.”
However, Meuser, who may challenge Shapiro in 2026, criticized him on Wednesday, asserting that while the arsonist was “a psycho,” Shapiro’s rhetoric and actions could be contributing factors.
“They need to tone it down too,” Meuser stated during a radio interview, following a previous lengthy condemnation of the attack. “Every action Josh Shapiro has taken against the president has either involved a lawsuit or misinformation. … That isn’t helpful either.”
Surprised by Meuser’s remarks, Shapiro responded when asked about them, “He said that?”
“I’ve advocated for years that leaders should act with moral clarity,” Shapiro remarked. “It appears the congressman has not met that standard.”
