New surveillance footage shows a dangerous Molotov cocktail attack targeting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence. The incident occurred in April when arsonist Cody Balmer broke into the governor’s mansion and set fire to it using incendiary devices.
Details of the Arson Attack
The Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office released the footage after Balmer’s guilty plea. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including:
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated arson
- Burglary
- Terrorism
Cody Balmer, 38, received a sentence ranging from 25 to 50 years in prison for his crimes.
Incident Timeline
The attack took place around 2 a.m. on April 13 after Shapiro and his family had celebrated Passover. At the time of the fire, they were asleep in their home.
Key moments from the surveillance video include:
- Balmer breaking a glass window with a sledgehammer.
- Throwing two Molotov cocktails inside the mansion.
- Attempting repeatedly to break down doors leading to where Shapiro’s family slept.
Despite his efforts, Balmer was unable to gain access but managed to ignite two separate fires before fleeing the scene.
Motivation Behind the Attack
Authorities revealed that Balmer harbored animosity toward Governor Shapiro. He even expressed intentions to attack the governor with his sledgehammer if he encountered him during the break-in.
Fire Damage and Public Reaction
The governor’s mansion suffered significant fire damage due to the attack. Governor Shapiro addressed the situation in a press conference following Balmer’s guilty plea, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding political violence.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and not become desensitized to such violent acts, stating, “Sadly, our family is not the only ones to experience political violence.” This sentiment highlights a growing concern over the normalization of violence against public officials.
The shocking video and subsequent court proceedings underscore the serious implications of politically motivated violence and the urgent need for societal awareness.
