HARRISBURG (AP) – More information has been released regarding the arson fire at the Governor’s Mansion early Sunday that left significant damage and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests to evacuate. Authorities arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg later in the day. They say Balmer, who turned himself in after police received a call from a female “ex-paramour” who said he confessed, faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. Video footage from the residence showed Balmer committing the acts. Balmer “admitted to harboring hatred toward Gov. Shapiro,” according to a police affidavit. No reason was given. Balmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft, and forgery, according to online court records. Court documents released today say Balmer planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he found him. Balmer used Heineken beer bottles filled with gasoline to start the fires. State Police Commissioner, Col. Christopher Paris called the fire a carefully planned attack. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Balmer has an attorney.
CODY BALMER