Officials Probe Motive Behind Fire at Gov. Shapiro’s Home/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Authorities are investigating the motive behind a fire deliberately set at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence. The suspect, Cody Balmer, is accused of planning to attack the governor and has been charged with attempted homicide and terrorism. The fire caused significant damage but no injuries.
Governor’s Mansion Arson: Quick Looks
- Suspect Identified: Cody Balmer, 38, charged with arson, terrorism, and attempted homicide
- Motive Unknown: Balmer admitted hatred for Gov. Shapiro but didn’t specify why
- No Injuries Reported: Gov. Shapiro, his family, and guests evacuated safely
- Building Damage: Fire caused extensive damage to historic entertainment room
- Attack Timing: Incident occurred during Passover celebrations at the residence
- Security Breach: Balmer scaled a 7-foot fence and entered undetected
- Mental Health Concerns: Mother reported issues; Balmer denied mental illness in court
- Criminal History: Prior assault charges and financial troubles
Officials Probe Motive Behind Fire at Gov. Shapiro’s Home
Deep Look
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Authorities are continuing their investigation into why a man broke into Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence early Sunday morning and set a fire that caused extensive damage.
The suspect, Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, remains in custody after being denied bail on charges that include attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
A Calculated Attack Amid Passover
The incident unfolded just after 2 a.m. Sunday, when Balmer allegedly climbed over a security fence surrounding the governor’s residence and made his way into a large entertaining room. The fire, which officials say was set with Molotov cocktails made from gasoline-filled beer bottles, forced Shapiro, his wife, four children, their dogs, and guests to flee the home in the middle of the night.
The Shapiros had been hosting a Passover Seder, celebrating the Jewish holiday with family and community members in the very room that was later destroyed by fire.
“I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here,” Shapiro said in an emotional statement.
Suspect’s Intentions and Arrest
Court documents show that Balmer told police he intended to attack the governor with a sledgehammer if he encountered him inside the residence. He reportedly walked an hour from his home to the mansion before committing the act.
Balmer later confessed to a former partner, who called authorities. He surrendered to state police, where he also admitted to harboring “hatred” toward the governor, though he did not elaborate on the reasons.
Security Failures and Fire Damage
The property’s 7-foot-high iron security fence, monitored by cameras, did not prevent Balmer from entering. Despite being detected, he evaded initial attempts to apprehend him, spending about one minute inside before escaping the scene.
The fire destroyed windows, charred walls and furniture, and gutted a piano and display fixtures. Officials estimate the damage could reach into the millions, worsened by the absence of a sprinkler system in the 1968-built residence.
Mental Health and Criminal Background
Balmer’s mother told the Associated Press she had sought help for her son’s mental health concerns, but “nobody would help.” She said he had stopped taking his medication. In court, however, Balmer told the judge he did not suffer from mental illness and declined to enter a plea.
He has a documented history of criminal behavior, including assault, theft, and forgery over the past decade. In a 2023 case, Balmer was accused of punching two relatives and stepping on a child’s broken leg. He also faced foreclosure on his home in 2022 and sold the property for $60,000 last year to settle the debt.
Political Violence and Rising Tensions
The attack has fueled concerns about political violence, particularly as Shapiro, a first-term Democrat and a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has been outspoken about his Jewish faith and has emerged as a national figure in his party.
The investigation remains open, with authorities still trying to determine whether the arson was politically or religiously motivated.
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