HARRISBURG (AP) – Investigators are working to uncover the motive behind an arson fire over the weekend at Governor’s Mansion. They are digging into Cody Balmer’s background after authorities said he scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police, and set fire inside the residence. He was denied bail Monday after a brief court appearance. Balmer has not entered a plea to charges that include attempted homicide, terrorism, and arson. Authorities say Balmer had planned to beat Gov. Josh Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he encountered him early Sunday. Balmer had walked an hour from his home to the governor’s residence. He “admitted to harboring hatred towards Gov. Shapiro,” according to a police affidavit. Balmer turned himself in at state police headquarters after confessing to his former partner and asking her to call police, which she did. Balmer has faced charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft, and forgery. Balmer’s mother told The Associated Press that she had made calls in recent days about his mental health issues, but “nobody would help.” Christie Balmer said her son was not taking his medicine.
CODY BALMER