According to the criminal complaint, arson suspect Cody Balmer admitted to “harboring hatred” towards Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
He advised on the date in question he removed gasoline from a lawn mower and poured it into Heineken Bottles he found at his residence. BALMER advised he walked for approximately one hour from his residence to the Governor’s Residence with the intention of throwing his homemade Molotov cocktails into the residence. BALMER admitted that, once at the residence, he scaled the perimeter fence, broke two windows with a hammer, and threw the Molotov cocktails inside. BALMER also advised that prior to committing these acts, he was aware his actions would result in negative consequences. When asked if he was aware that Governor SHAPIRO and others were home at the time of this act, BAMER advised that he was aware this was a possibility. BALMER also admitted that he it was a possibility people could be injured by his actions.
Horrible: “Balmer was asked specifically what he would have done if Governor Shapiro found him inside of his residence to which he advised he would have beaten him with his hammer.”
I just had shivers go down my spine.
The police said Balmer told them he returned home and removed his clothing.
Troopers went to Balmer’s house and took a “‘Snap-On’ jacket, black bag, and a small sledge hammer which were identical to those observed in the surveillance at the Governor’s Residence.”
The police also said that Balmer’s “ex-paramour” contacted them. She claimed Balmer confessed to committing the fire and wanted her to turn him in to the police.
Balmer faces numerous charges including:
6ABC reported that the police “have not ruled out Shapiro’s Jewish faith” as a possible motive.”
Cory Balmer’s mother Christie Balmer told CBS: “So he was mentally ill, went off his meds, and this is what happened.”
Christie Balmer also said four police departments picked him up last week.
The Pennsylvania State Police announced Balmer is in the hospital:
“The suspect in the arson that occurred at the Governor’s Residence on 04/13/25 has been identified as Cody A. Balmer, 03/23/1987, of Harrisburg, PA. He was taken into custody without incident and charged through Magisterial District Court 12-1-02, Harrisburg. Due to a medical event not connected to this incident or his arrest, Balmer was transported to an area hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. He remains under PSP supervision and will be transported to the Dauphin County Prison for arraignment upon his release.”
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