A suspect arrested in an arson attack at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence told police he planned to beat the governor with a hammer, according to court documents released Monday.

Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, faces charges including attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault after setting fire to the governor’s mansion early Sunday, authorities said. The blaze caused significant damage, forcing Shapiro, his family, and guests to evacuate. No injuries were reported.

Documents state Balmer scaled a 7-foot iron fence, evaded police, and broke into the residence, where he ignited Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles filled with gasoline. During a police interview, Balmer admitted to “harboring hatred” toward Shapiro and said he would have attacked him if they crossed paths, the affidavit said.

“He clearly had a plan,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police, noting Balmer’s methodical approach. Balmer, who has a history of charges including assault and theft, was arrested later Sunday after turning himself in.

Shapiro, a Democrat viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, said the attack occurred hours after his family celebrated Passover at the residence. “No one will deter me or my family,” he said, vowing to continue his work.

The investigation continues, with federal support pledged by FBI Director Kash Patel.

DISGUSTING: Taylor Lorenz swoons over “handsome” CEO Killer in CNN interview

Former Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz has sparked controversy by praising Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, calling him “handsome,” “smart,” and “morally good,” in a CNN interview.

Lorenz, also a former Vox Media podcaster, defended Mangione’s online supporters, particularly young women who view him as a “revolutionary” figure. “It’s hilarious to see these millionaire media pundits on TV clutching their pearls about someone stanning a murderer when this is the United States of America — as if we don’t lionize criminals,” she told CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan, adding, “We give them Netflix shows.”

Mangione faces federal and state charges, including murder as an act of terrorism, for the Dec. 4, 2024, killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. He has pleaded not guilty to state charges and awaits a plea on federal counts, which could carry the death penalty.

Lorenz’s comments drew sharp criticism online, with some calling her stance “distorted.” A Reddit community, r/FreeLuigi, with over 38,000 members, has fueled Mangione’s fandom, raising funds and glorifying his image. Social media platforms have struggled to moderate such content.

The controversy highlights tensions over public fascination with high-profile criminals. Lorenz has not publicly responded to the backlash.

Bill Maher SAVAGES Dems after Trump interview - “I’m just telling you what I saw,”

Comedian Bill Maher said a White House dinner with President Donald Trump highlighted why Democrats are losing ground, citing their inability to engage openly like Trump did during their late March meeting.

Maher, speaking on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” Friday, described Trump as “gracious and measured” during the 2½-hour dinner, joined by UFC’s Dana White and musician Kid Rock. “Honestly, I voted for Clinton and Obama, but I would never feel comfortable talking to them the way I was able to talk with Donald Trump,” Maher said, calling the contrast “emblematic of why the Democrats are so unpopular these days.”

The dinner, arranged by Kid Rock to foster civility, saw Maher candidly critique policies like child sex changes and wokeness, noting Trump’s “no anger” response. “Okay, that’s my report. You can hate me for it, but I’m not a liar,” Maher told his audience, rejecting claims he softened on Trump. He jabbed at critics like Sen. Cory Booker, mocking their “25-hour speeches into the wind” as ineffective.

Maher’s remarks sparked backlash from some liberals, who see his Trump engagement as a betrayal. Still, he insisted the dinner wasn’t a summit but a chance to bridge divides. “I’m just telling you what I saw,” he said.

The monologue aired as Democrats grapple with their 2024 election losses, fueling debates over the party’s messaging and approach.

Horror chopper crash company ceases operations as divers search for clues

The tour operator behind a deadly helicopter crash in the Hudson River that killed six people, including a family of five, has ceased operations, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Sunday.

New York Helicopter Tours closed immediately following the April 10 crash, which claimed the lives of Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, their three children, and pilot Seankese Johnson. The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by the company, crashed upside down after its main rotor and tail broke apart mid-flight, according to video evidence. The FAA is reviewing the company’s safety record and license while supporting the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urged federal authorities to halt the company’s operations, citing a “deadly track record” for New York City’s helicopter tour industry. “We know there is one thing for sure about New York City’s helicopter tour companies: They have a deadly track record,” Schumer said at a press conference with the Hudson River in view.

The NTSB is deploying divers to recover the helicopter’s main rotor and gearbox, which could reveal the crash’s cause. The incident follows other recent aviation disasters, including a January collision in Washington that killed 67. The FAA emphasized its commitment to ensuring safety as investigations continue.