A Harrisburg man, Cody Balmer, set fire to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official state residence with gasoline-filled beer bottles and a hammer before fleeing the scene and confessing to the crime. Balmer, charged with attempted criminal homicide, arson, burglary, terrorism, and other offenses, cited feelings of “hatred” towards Shapiro as his motivation for the attack. The incident occurred during the Jewish holiday of Passover, prompting authorities to consider the possibility of a hate crime.
Reports indicate that Balmer had a history of assault charges, including an incident where he allegedly assaulted his wife and children. Balmer admitted to the arson to a woman identified as his “ex-paramour,” leading him to turn himself in to the State Police later.
Governor Shapiro, his wife, and guests were inside the residence during the attack, but all were evacuated without injury. Shapiro condemned the violence, emphasizing that such acts are unacceptable in society regardless of the perpetrator’s affiliations. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their swift action in keeping them safe.
The incident resulted in significant fire damage to the residence, with charred walls and ceilings evident in photos released by state officials. Shapiro called for an end to such violence and reassured his confidence in the State Police to ensure his family’s safety. A security review is underway to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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