Man Waives Preliminary Hearing in Pennsylvania Governor Residence Arson Case

Two separate arson cases involving significant property damage and threats to public safety have moved forward as the accused individuals waived their preliminary hearings. In Teller County, 77-year-old Lowa Tillitt faces felony arson charges for allegedly sparking the Highland Lakes fire that burned 166 acres and led to the evacuation of over 700 households, with a trial date pending and bond reconsideration likely. In Pennsylvania, Cody A. Balmer, accused of firebombing the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were inside, waived his preliminary hearing and is set to face trial on 50 charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, and terrorism. Balmer admitted to the attack, which involved Molotov cocktails and a small sledgehammer, and stated he targeted Shapiro due to political motives connected to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed during the incident, which caused significant damage to the 29,000-square-foot residence. Both cases highlight the serious nature of arson-related crimes with implications for public safety and political tensions.