A man was sentenced for an arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. Cody Balmer, 38, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, and 22 counts of arson. The incident occurred on April 13, causing severe damage to the state-owned residence.
Plea Deal and Sentencing
Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison as part of a plea agreement. His actions endangered the lives of many, including Governor Josh Shapiro and his family, who had to evacuate the mansion during the incident. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Details of the Arson Attack
The arson occurred just hours after the governor’s family celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover. Balmer used beer bottles filled with gasoline as crude incendiary devices, commonly referred to as Molotov cocktails. Prosecutors presented video evidence showing these cocktails igniting both inside and outside the mansion.
- Charges against Balmer included:
- Attempted murder
- Terrorism
- 22 counts of arson
- Aggravated assault
- Burglary
- Reckless endangerment
- Damage included:
- Charred walls
- Damaged furniture and piano
- Broken windows and doors
Investigation and Motive
After the attack, Balmer turned himself in and detailed his intentions to confront Governor Shapiro. He was reported to have been planning to use a sledgehammer had he encountered the governor. Despite questions regarding whether the attack was motivated by Shapiro’s Jewish faith, Balmer insisted it was not a factor.
Mental Health Concerns
Balmer’s mother claimed she had sought help for his mental health issues prior to the attack. Delays in court proceedings were attributed to his ongoing mental health treatment. In a statement, Balmer acknowledged the potential danger to children during the incident but expressed a lack of remorse for the attack itself.
Continued Repairs and Security Enhancements
The governor’s mansion, which was built in 1968, did not feature sprinklers at the time of the incident. Repairs to the residence and enhancements to its security features are currently ongoing. This incident underscores the pressing need for improved security measures in public buildings, particularly those housing government officials.
