Man Arrested For Burning PA Governor's Home; Shapiro Not Hurt

A Pennsylvania man faces charges including attempted murder, terrorism and attempted arson in an early morning fire that badly damaged the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to escape. Shapiro, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family that had celebrated Passover at the residence on Saturday were awakened by state troopers at about 2 a.m. Sunday. They were evacuated and the fire was extinguished. No one was injured. State Police Col. Christopher Paris identified the suspect as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, reports the Associated Press. Authorities said the suspect hopped over a fence and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire. Police deputy commissioner George Bivens said the suspect had a homemade incendiary device and evaded police who knew there had been a breach. Bivens said the attack appeared to have been carefully planned. Balmer turned himself in and told investigators he was "harboring hatred" toward Shapiro. He said he would have beaten the governor with a hammer if he had encountered him in the home.

While the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire worked to put out the fire, police evacuated Shapiro and the others. Shapiro said the fire was set in the room where the families celebrated Passover with a Seder on Saturday night. He said. “When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover” and the story of the Jewish exodus from bondage. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night.” Shapiro, viewed as a potential Democratic White House candidate in 2028, said he had received pledges of help from the Department of Justice, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office as well as messages of support from fellow governors and others. Fire damage was visible on the residence’s south side, primarily to a large room often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Large west-facing windows were completely missing glass panes and doors stood ajar amid signs of charring. On Monday, Balmer was being treated at a hospital, which police said was “not connected to this incident or his arrest.” Balmer’s mother told AP that she had tried in recent days to get him assistance for mental health issues, but “nobody would help.” She said her son had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. “He wasn’t taking his medicine, and that’s all I want to say,” Christie Balmer said.