A Harrisburg man is in custody and will face attempted murder, arson and terrorism charges following an early morning fire yesterday at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. Arrested was 38-year-old Cody Balmer, who could also be facing federal charges. Reportedly, the attack on the governor’s mansion was targeted by using a homemade incendiary device, but the specific motive is unknown. There are reports Balmer may have been angry with Shapiro after the commonwealth auctioned off his property. Also, the arrest came days before Balmer was expected in court for a plea hearing in a separate case stemming from a 2023 simple assault charge. Balmer is reported to have jumped a fence around the mansion, and forcibly entered the home before setting fire. Authorities say he was inside the home for less than a minute, and actively evaded state police who were searching for him at the same time. In an emotional statement, Governor Shapiro said , “If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as governor, rest assured, I will find a way to work even harder than I was.” The governor also said if the suspect was trying to terrorize his family and friends who were earlier at the mansion for a Passover Seder, he will proudly continue to celebrate his faith. Fortunately, the governor, his family and two dogs were able to get out of the mansion safely. A security review is underway.
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