Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, is facing a slew of charges, including attempted homicide and terrorism, after authorities say he scaled an iron security fence, evaded police, and broke into the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, setting a fire that caused significant damage and forced Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests to evacuate.
According to court documents released Monday, Balmer had planned to beat Governor Shapiro with a hammer if he had found him inside the residence. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from state police and fire officials.
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During a police interview, authorities said Balmer admitted to walking an hour from his home to the governor’s residence. He then confessed that if he had encountered Governor Shapiro, he would have attacked him with a small sledgehammer.
“Balmer admitted to harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro,” according to a police affidavit, though the specific reason for this hatred was not detailed.
The criminal complaint further reveals that Balmer admitted to siphoning gasoline from a lawnmower, filling Heineken bottles with it, and using a hammer to break two windows of the residence before throwing the homemade Molotov cocktails.
He also acknowledged knowing that Governor Shapiro and others could have been home at the time of the attack, and that he understood the potential for injury.
State Police reported that the fire was quickly extinguished, but the residence sustained significant damage. Fortunately, Governor Shapiro and his family, who were present in a different part of the building, were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
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Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo confirmed during a Sunday afternoon press conference that Balmer was apprehended after jumping a fence on the property and setting fire to a portion of the residence.
In addition to attempted homicide and terrorism, Balmer faces charges of aggravated arson and aggravated assault. He is currently being held in the Dauphin County Prison awaiting arraignment. The investigation remains ongoing.
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