() Prosecutors believe religious bias was a factor in the arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion while the governor and his family slept inside, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told .

“We do believe that there was a religious bias involved, and we’re going to pursue that in our prosecution,” Chardo said Tuesday, citing evidence from search warrants indicating the suspect focused on “Palestine and the governor’s views on Israel.”

Cody Balmer is being held without bail on charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary and terrorism following the early Sunday attack, which occurred hours after Shapiro and his family celebrated Passover.

Chardo said Balmer admitted he “harbored hatred” for Shapiro and told authorities he would have “beaten him with a hammer” if he had encountered the governor during the incident.

While Pennsylvania has an ethnic intimidation statute that functions as a hate crime enhancement, Chardo explained that adding such charges would not increase the severity of punishment since Balmer already faces five first-degree felonies. However, prosecutors plan to use bias-based offense provisions in sentencing guidelines if Balmer is convicted.

The district attorney noted that Balmer’s decision to turn himself in to police after the attack could actually strengthen the prosecution’s case by demonstrating competence and undermining potential insanity claims.

“He knew what he was doing was wrong and that the police would be looking for him,” Chardo told .

Law enforcement had visited Balmer’s parents’ home, where he lived, days before the attack, but no action could be taken because no threats were made at that time. Balmer’s mother has indicated he struggled with mental health issues.

The case will next move to a preliminary hearing.