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Arson Incident at Governor Shapiro’s Mansion: Suspect Arrested
The individual suspected of igniting a fire at the mansion of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has surrendered to authorities. The incident, which occurred while the governor and his family were at home, has raised serious concerns regarding political violence.
Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old resident of Harrisburg, was initially identified by an ex-girlfriend who reported that he confessed to her and expressed a desire for her to contact the police on his behalf. Balmer subsequently approached the Pennsylvania State Police headquarters to turn himself in, as mentioned in the criminal complaint acquired by Fox News.
During the police interrogation, Balmer reportedly expressed animosity toward Governor Shapiro and confessed to preparing incendiary devices. He indicated that he extracted gasoline from a lawn mower and transferred it into Heineken bottles found at his residence. Balmer claimed he walked for an hour to the governor’s mansion with the premeditated goal of throwing these makeshift Molotov cocktails into the building.
Pennsylvania Police Arrest Suspect After Governor’s Mansion Set on Fire
Evidence gathered by law enforcement reveals that Balmer scaled a security fence, shattered two windows using a hammer, and threw the incendiary devices inside the mansion. He acknowledged to investigators that he was aware of the potential risk to the governor and his family during the attack, suggesting he understood the possibility of causing injury.
When questioned about his intentions, Balmer allegedly stated that had he encountered Governor Shapiro in person, he would have attacked him with the hammer. Following the interrogation, he was taken into custody and transported to Dauphin County Prison for arraignment.
The criminal complaint outlines the details of the arson that took place in the early morning hours, around 2 a.m. on a Sunday—a time when the Shapiro family was celebrating the first night of Passover. The severity of the fire has left significant damage to the interior of the mansion, with reports describing rooms devastated by flames.
Security footage captured Balmer both inside and outside the mansion, showcasing his distinctive appearance, which included a black ‘Snap-On’ jacket and black boots, along with a bag he carried. Investigators retrieved the jacket, bag, and a small sledgehammer from his residence, connecting him further to the crime.
The incident has prompted a strong response from Governor Shapiro, who expressed grave concern over the increasing prevalence of violence in society. “This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” he stated. “And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another. It is not okay and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
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