Republican lawmaker says ‘Left has to look in the mirror too’ following criticism of Shapiro arson attack
Dan Meuser from Pennsylvania pointed to the Democrat’s use of “violent and hostile commentary” as a factor that contributed to the attack.
TroibNews 
GOP Rep. Dan Meuser remarked that the “Left has to look in the mirror too” following an arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. He attributed this incident to what he perceives as the Democrats’ use of “violent and hostile commentary,” which he believes contributes to such acts.
Meuser, who is also from Pennsylvania, expressed his sentiments during a radio segment on a local conservative talk show that he shared on his X page on Tuesday. “Our hearts go out to the Shapiro family on this, but they gotta tone it down too,” Meuser said. He criticized Shapiro's actions, stating, “Every action Josh Shapiro has taken so far against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood.”
The disturbing incident occurred on Sunday morning, shortly after Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of Passover. A man broke into the governor’s mansion and set fire to the residence. The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, allegedly told police he carried out the act because Shapiro “needs to know that he ‘will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,’” according to documents released by authorities on Wednesday.
While Shapiro and his family, along with the staff in the mansion, managed to evacuate safely without injuries, Balmer was apprehended later that day and faces multiple charges, including attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
Meuser condemned the attack during his talk show appearance but took the opportunity to reference other recent violent incidents, such as those targeting the Tesla showroom in Albuquerque and the Republican headquarters in New Mexico. He pointed out that such attacks happen on both sides of the political spectrum while urging Democrats to moderate their “violent” rhetoric.
In an effort to clarify his remarks, Meuser later stated that he does not endorse political violence and had personally reached out to Governor Shapiro to ensure his family’s safety. "What I said in a recent interview—and what I meant—is that the broader political rhetoric we’re seeing from both sides is dangerous," he emphasized. "There have been two assassination attempts on President Trump. There have been violent attacks on Tesla dealerships. That doesn’t happen in a vacuum."
Bob Cordaro, the local radio host, echoed Meuser’s comments and appeared to hold Shapiro accountable for the incident. “His incompetence in protecting the governor’s mansion, which is all of ours, not just his family,” he criticized, adding, “And it is charred, it is substantially damaged, and man he better get to the bottom of the incompetence that allowed it to happen.”
Shapiro addressed Meuser's remarks during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. “I’ve said for years leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity. It would appear that the congressman failed to measure up to that,” he stated.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
Meuser, who is also from Pennsylvania, expressed his sentiments during a radio segment on a local conservative talk show that he shared on his X page on Tuesday. “Our hearts go out to the Shapiro family on this, but they gotta tone it down too,” Meuser said. He criticized Shapiro's actions, stating, “Every action Josh Shapiro has taken so far against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood.”
The disturbing incident occurred on Sunday morning, shortly after Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of Passover. A man broke into the governor’s mansion and set fire to the residence. The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, allegedly told police he carried out the act because Shapiro “needs to know that he ‘will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,’” according to documents released by authorities on Wednesday.
While Shapiro and his family, along with the staff in the mansion, managed to evacuate safely without injuries, Balmer was apprehended later that day and faces multiple charges, including attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
Meuser condemned the attack during his talk show appearance but took the opportunity to reference other recent violent incidents, such as those targeting the Tesla showroom in Albuquerque and the Republican headquarters in New Mexico. He pointed out that such attacks happen on both sides of the political spectrum while urging Democrats to moderate their “violent” rhetoric.
In an effort to clarify his remarks, Meuser later stated that he does not endorse political violence and had personally reached out to Governor Shapiro to ensure his family’s safety. "What I said in a recent interview—and what I meant—is that the broader political rhetoric we’re seeing from both sides is dangerous," he emphasized. "There have been two assassination attempts on President Trump. There have been violent attacks on Tesla dealerships. That doesn’t happen in a vacuum."
Bob Cordaro, the local radio host, echoed Meuser’s comments and appeared to hold Shapiro accountable for the incident. “His incompetence in protecting the governor’s mansion, which is all of ours, not just his family,” he criticized, adding, “And it is charred, it is substantially damaged, and man he better get to the bottom of the incompetence that allowed it to happen.”
Shapiro addressed Meuser's remarks during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. “I’ve said for years leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity. It would appear that the congressman failed to measure up to that,” he stated.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
