OUTREACH – Trump Calls Shapiro After ARSON!

What happens when political opponents dial across the aisle amidst crisis?

At a Glance

• Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro received a call from former President Donald Trump after an arson attack on his home.
• Shapiro initially missed the call, but later engaged in a 15-minute conversation with Trump.
• The attacker, Cody Balmer, is charged with attempted murder and arson.
• Shapiro praised Trump’s gesture, indicating a moment of bipartisan communication.

Unusual Bipartisan Exchange

Who would’ve thought that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and former President Donald Trump would have a long chit-chat on the phone? Unprecedented times indeed! After an arson attack on his residence in Harrisburg, Shapiro found Trump reaching out, which speaks volumes amid the ongoing political rifts. Shapiro described Trump as “very gracious” in their exchange, where both discussed the well-being of Shapiro’s family, along with other private matters.

The initial call from Trump’s number was left unanswered by Shapiro, who was unfamiliar with the number. In fact, Shapiro missed it altogether. Don’t we all do that? However, upon discovering the missed call and identifying the sender, Shapiro promptly returned it. “As soon as I heard his message, I called him right back,” said Shapiro.

The president had not reached out to the Democratic governor in the immediate aftermath of the attack. https://t.co/yEb6h42Ufv

— HuffPost Politics (@HuffPostPol) April 23, 2025

A Political Attack

The arson attack took place on April 13, while Shapiro and his family were asleep after celebrating Passover. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though significant property damage occurred. Cody Balmer, motivated by the Israel-Hamas war according to reports, allegedly admitted involvement. He now faces several charges, including attempted murder and arson.

Vice President JD Vance took to social media to condemn the attack, acknowledging the grave nature of the incident and the importance of such bipartisan gestures in defusing political tensions.

Resilience and Recovery

Despite the ordeal, Shapiro was adamant about resuming normalcy. “I’m not going to live in fear,” he stated firmly. Not backing down, he reopened his residence, particularly for public events like an Easter egg hunt, symbolizing a return to regular life. The act of defiance demonstrates the power of unity against senseless violence.

Meanwhile, Trump and Shapiro agreed to maintain contact, a rare occurrence in today’s political landscape. Could this alliance signal the beginning of more constructive dialogues on both sides? The gesture is undeniably a nod to bipartisan cooperation, something in peril under today’s divisive political environment.