In a chilling overnight attack, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence was targeted by an arsonist who later admitted to harboring intense hatred toward the state leader.
The fire broke out in the early morning hours, engulfing part of the mansion while Governor Shapiro and his family were inside. Though the blaze caused structural damage to the building’s south wing, no injuries were reported.
Authorities swiftly arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer, who confessed to starting the fire using makeshift Molotov cocktails. He reportedly intended to confront the governor with a sledgehammer had they crossed paths. During questioning, Balmer admitted to harboring long-standing animosity toward Shapiro.
The governor had hosted a Passover Seder at the residence earlier that evening, adding to the emotional weight of the incident. In a public statement, Shapiro called the attack a direct assault on his family and vowed it would not shake his commitment to serve.
Balmer is facing a range of serious charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, arson, and assault. His mother revealed he suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and had recently stopped taking his medication. He is now undergoing treatment while in custody.
The mansion, a historic fixture in Harrisburg, will undergo repairs as officials investigate how the attacker managed to get so close to the governor’s home undetected.