Cody Balmer Charged with Attempted Murder in Pennsylvania Governor's Residence Arson

Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old man, has been arrested and charged with attempted homicide and arson after allegedly setting fire to the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were inside. Balmer confessed to harboring hatred towards Shapiro and detailed how he prepared Molotov cocktails using gasoline siphoned from a lawn mower, which he threw into the residence after breaking windows. The governor and his family, who had just celebrated Passover, evacuated safely without injury, although the fire caused significant damage. Balmer's actions have been characterized as a targeted attack, and he admitted he would have assaulted Shapiro if confronted. His ex-girlfriend alerted police after Balmer confessed to her and asked her to report him. Shapiro condemned the violence, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable and should not be tolerated.