Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion Attacked; Suspect Denied Bail \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A Harrisburg man faces attempted homicide and terrorism charges after allegedly setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence. The suspect, Cody Balmer, reportedly intended to attack Shapiro with a sledgehammer and used Molotov cocktails in the arson. Shapiro condemned the violence and reaffirmed his commitment to public service and faith.
Quick Looks
- Cody Balmer, 38, charged with arson, terrorism, and attempted homicide.
- He allegedly scaled a 7-foot fence and set fire to Shapiro’s residence.
- Balmer told police he planned to attack Gov. Josh Shapiro with a sledgehammer.
- The governor’s family and guests were evacuated around 2 a.m. Sunday.
- The historic residence sustained millions in fire and smoke damage.
- Balmer used Molotov cocktails made from gasoline-filled beer bottles.
- He confessed to a former partner and later turned himself in.
- His mother says she sought help for his mental health, but was ignored.
- Shapiro, a potential 2028 presidential contender, says he’s undeterred.
- The suspect has a criminal history and financial struggles.
Deep Look
A Pennsylvania man is facing a litany of serious charges—including attempted homicide, arson, terrorism, and aggravated assault—after allegedly breaching the security perimeter of the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg and setting a fire that forced Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests to flee in the middle of the night.
Cody Balmer, 38, was denied bail Monday afternoon following his first court appearance, where he was represented by a public defender. He had been released from a hospital earlier that day following an unrelated medical issue. Balmer is accused of scaling a 7-foot iron fence, evading security, and using Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles to ignite a fire in the residence.
According to police, Balmer confessed to intending to attack Gov. Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if they had crossed paths. While court records noted that he “harbored hatred” toward the governor, authorities have not yet confirmed whether political or religious motivations played a role in the crime.
The blaze erupted early Sunday morning, shortly after the governor and his family had celebrated Passover with friends and members of the local Jewish community. They were jolted awake around 2 a.m. by state troopers, who rushed them out of the mansion as flames spread. No injuries were reported, but the damage is estimated to be in the millions, as the fire tore through a large entertainment space in the 1968-built residence, which lacks a sprinkler system.
Security Breach and Confession
According to a police affidavit, Balmer walked an hour from his Harrisburg home to the mansion with premeditated intent. He reportedly remained inside the residence for about one minute, then fled before being caught. Later, he confessed to a former partner, asking her to alert authorities. She complied, and Balmer turned himself in at state police headquarters.
A search of his home turned up clothing worn during the break-in, along with a small sledgehammer. Police also recovered eight suspected incendiary devices and a stencil bearing anti-government messages, including “ICE = KKK,” a phrase spray-painted on the Republican Party headquarters in a separate arson case last month in New Mexico, which remains under investigation.
Balmer’s Background Raises Concerns
Balmer told the judge he was an unemployed welder with no income, “a lot of children,” and no mental health issues, despite his mother telling the Associated Press she had repeatedly tried to get him psychiatric help. “Nobody would help,” said Christie Balmer, adding that her son had stopped taking his medication.
Court records reveal prior charges against Balmer, including assault, theft, and forgery, as well as an ongoing case in which he allegedly punched two relatives and stepped 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 resolve the debt.
Despite his criminal history and apparent instability, Balmer told the judge he did not use drugs or alcohol and dismissed rumors about his mental health.
Governor Shapiro Responds with Resolve
Shortly after the fire, Governor Josh Shapiro, who has emerged as a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, addressed reporters in an emotional press conference. He recounted the Passover gathering that took place just hours before the fire and delivered a strong message against political violence.
“I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us,” Shapiro said. “This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. We have to be better than this.”
Shapiro emphasized the importance of not allowing acts of hatred or intimidation to deter public service or the expression of religious faith.
President Donald Trump, responding to questions about the incident, said Balmer “wasn’t a fan of anybody” and denounced the act as something that “cannot be allowed to happen.”
What Happens Next
Balmer has not yet entered a plea and will remain in custody pending further proceedings. The investigation continues, and authorities are reviewing additional evidence to determine whether other individuals or influences were involved in the planning or ideology behind the attack.
The Governor’s Mansion, a historic and symbolic center of Pennsylvania’s government, remains under repair. The west- and south-facing windows were completely shattered, with the interior charred—destroying heirlooms, artwork, and musical instruments that were part of the residence’s cultural heritage.
Shapiro has vowed to rebuild—and to continue his work in office without fear.
“No one gets to stop the work we do for the people of Pennsylvania,” he said.
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