Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old man from Harrisburg, has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire that damaged the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro early Sunday morning.
Balmer is accused of breaking into the home while the governor and his family were asleep and using homemade incendiary devices to start the fire.
What Happened?
Around 2 a.m. Sunday, Shapiro and his family were awakened by a state trooper pounding on their door, warning them of a fire inside the residence.
Governor Shapiro, his wife Lori, their four children, two dogs, and another family staying with them were all safely evacuated. No injuries were reported, but the fire caused significant damage to the first floor of the historic 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style home located in Harrisburg.
Scanner audio captured by emergency services described a “large fire on the first floor” with flames visible through the windows.
Authorities say Balmer hopped the fence, smashed two windows with a hammer, and climbed inside. He remained in the home for less than a minute and evaded security before fleeing the scene.
How Did He Do It?
According to an affidavit filed by Pennsylvania State Police, Balmer used gasoline taken from a lawn mower and poured it into beer bottles to make Molotov cocktails.
He allegedly threw the devices into the governor’s home, igniting the blaze. During questioning, Balmer admitted to harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro and said he would have attacked him with a hammer had they come face to face.
His ex-partner contacted police and reported that Balmer had confessed to the crime. Soon after, Balmer turned himself in at police headquarters.
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Criminal Background
This isn’t Balmer’s first run-in with the law. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to charges of forgery and theft by deception.
He is also due in court soon for a plea hearing related to a 2023 simple assault case. Given the nature of this incident, officials say federal charges are also being considered.
The FBI’s Philadelphia field office is assisting in the investigation.
Damage to the Governor’s Residence
The fire significantly damaged the governor’s mansion, which has served as the official residence since 1968. Photos show blackened walls and ceilings, ash-covered floors, and destroyed furniture.
The damage extended to remnants of the Passover dinner the Shapiro family had hosted just hours earlier.
Shapiro’s Response
In an emotional press conference, Governor Shapiro described the incident as “an attack on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
He condemned political violence and vowed not to be deterred from his duties. “If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job, rest assured, I will find a way to work even harder than I was,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to his Jewish faith, stating, “No one will deter me or my family, or any Pennsylvanian, from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.”
A Broader Warning
The attack adds to a growing list of violent threats and incidents targeting elected officials in the US In recent years, figures such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former President Donald Trump have been targeted in high-profile plots and attempts.
Shapiro’s remarks highlighted the urgent need to address and prevent political violence on all fronts.
(CNN)
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