Man Accused of Setting Fire to Pennsylvania Governor’s Home Denied Bail

A man accused of setting fire to the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has been denied bail, with concerns for both his safety and the security of the Harrisburg community. The 38-year-old, Cody Balmer, faces multiple charges including attempted homicide, aggravated arson, and terrorism, after allegedly breaking into the governor’s residence early Sunday morning and setting the fire using homemade Molotov cocktails.

During his arraignment Monday, Magistrate District Judge Dale Klein recommended that Balmer remain in jail. He did not enter a plea, and his attorney, Colton Whitener, declined to comment on the charges, stating that they would wait for further information.

Balmer, a Harrisburg native, later turned himself in to police. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 23.

Governor Shapiro, his wife Lori, their four children, and another family were forced to evacuate their state-owned residence after the fire, which caused significant damage to the home. The incident occurred just hours after they had hosted a Passover dinner. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

In a disturbing revelation, Balmer admitted to “harboring hatred” for Shapiro and claimed that if he had encountered the governor, he would have beaten him with a hammer. Court records suggest that Balmer was aware Shapiro and his family might have been home when he set the fire, and that the consequences could have been far worse.

Authorities are exploring whether antisemitism played a role in the attack. Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo stated that investigators are looking into whether Balmer’s actions were linked to Shapiro’s religion and his views on Israel, though there is no definitive evidence of this yet. Additionally, mental health concerns are also being considered as a possible factor in the incident.

Balmer’s mother, Christie Balmer, told CBS News that her son had been struggling with mental illness and had stopped taking his medication. She even reached out to police for help, but was unsuccessful in getting him assistance.

Balmer himself denied having a history of mental illness when questioned by the judge, though he acknowledged that his medication may have contributed to his behavior.

Balmer’s actions were methodical and deliberate. After walking about an hour from his home to the governor’s residence, he reportedly climbed over the fence, broke two windows with a hammer, and threw an incendiary device through one of the windows. The fire quickly spread, with Balmer reportedly entering the residence and throwing a second incendiary device. He then kicked down a door and fled the scene.

Despite the quick response from the governor’s security team, Balmer managed to evade capture. State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said, “He clearly had a plan,” pointing out that Balmer’s actions seemed well thought out.

The fire caused significant damage to the governor’s residence, including the piano and dining rooms, as well as destroying furniture. Photos of the aftermath show charred walls and floors covered in ash, with remnants of the Passover dinner, including a “Passover Crafts” sign, scattered around the scene.

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, a historic Georgian-style building overlooking the Susquehanna River, has been home to governors and their families since 1968. The property also houses numerous art exhibits and security measures designed to protect the family at all times.

Despite the trauma of the attack, Governor Shapiro remains resolute. In an emotional press conference, he condemned the violence, calling it an attack not just on his family but on the people of Pennsylvania. He thanked the outpouring of support and prayers from across the political spectrum, including from Vice President JD Vance and Senator John Fetterman.

“This type of violence is not OK,” Shapiro said firmly. “We have to be better than this.” He also vowed that the attack would not deter him from his duties as governor, emphasizing his pride in his Jewish faith and the importance of openly celebrating religious traditions like Passover.

“Rest assured,” Shapiro said, “if this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as your governor, I will find a way to work even harder than before.” He added that neither he, his family, nor any Pennsylvanian would be intimidated into abandoning their faith or beliefs.

Balmer’s charges could potentially extend to federal offenses as the FBI assists state authorities in the investigation. This incident is part of a larger trend of violent threats against elected officials in the U.S., raising concerns about the growing climate of political violence.

As investigations continue, both law enforcement and the Shapiro family are focusing on ensuring that such an attack never happens again. Meanwhile, Shapiro’s determination to press forward with his work remains unshaken, despite the challenges ahead.