A man in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Cody Balmer, attempted to burn down the Governor’s Residence in an act of domestic terrorism. According to court documents, Balmer threw two homemade Molotov cocktails into the Governor’s Residence where Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping, with the intent to harm them. The incident occurred early Sunday morning on April 13, around 2 a.m.
The Attack on the Governor’s Residence
In surveillance footage obtained by police, Balmer could be seen climbing over an exterior fence of the Governor’s Residence. He was wearing a black “Snap-On” jacket, black boots, two different colored gloves (one orange and one yellow), and carrying a bag. Balmer approached a piano room where he threw one homemade incendiary device through a broken window. He then moved to an adjacent window, broke the glass, and entered the property.
Once inside, Balmer deployed a second incendiary device inside the dining room before fleeing the scene. Police later discovered broken Heineken beer bottles filled with gasoline and the two gloves, which smelled like gasoline, along the path Balmer took as he fled the residence.
Balmer’s Motive and Arrest
During an interview with police after turning himself in, Balmer confessed to harboring hatred towards Gov. Shapiro. He revealed that he had taken gasoline from a lawn mower at his home to fill beer bottles, which he used to create Molotov cocktails. Armed with a hammer from his residence, Balmer broke windows and threw the incendiary devices into the Governor’s Residence.
When questioned about the possibility of harming the Governor and his family, Balmer admitted he was aware of the risks. He told police that if confronted by Gov. Shapiro, he would have attacked him with the hammer he brought from home.
Moreover, a follow-up investigation at Balmer’s home yielded items identical to those used in the attack, including a jacket, pants, bag, and a small sledgehammer. Balmer now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism, reckless endangerment, and aggravated assault. He is currently in police custody awaiting a preliminary hearing.
In a chilling account of domestic terrorism, Cody Balmer targeted the very heart of Pennsylvania’s power, the Governor’s Residence, with the intent to harm its occupants. His premeditated actions, fueled by hatred and violence, underscore the serious threat posed by individuals with extremist ideologies. The attempted arson, coupled with Balmer’s admission of planning to physically assault Gov. Shapiro, paints a disturbing picture of an individual willing to resort to extreme measures to express his grievances.
The swift response of law enforcement and Balmer’s subsequent arrest highlight the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in preventing acts of violence. As we reflect on this troubling incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities and challenges faced by those in positions of authority and the need for heightened security measures to ensure their safety and well-being.
