Motive Sought In Arson Fire At Governor’s Mansion

April 15, 2025 4:50 am

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Investigators are working to uncover the motive behind an arson fire over the weekend at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion, the latest act of political violence in the U.S. 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 to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. 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.