Early Sunday morning at around 2 a.m., a man by the name of Cody Balmer set fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home. There are no known motives for the attack at this moment.
Josh Shapiro, his wife Lori Shapiro, their four children, and two dogs were in the home at the time of the fire.
On Sunday evening, Josh Shapiro spoke at a press conference and addressed the situation. Shapiro thanked police officers and first responders who were there to support him and his family. He also denounced any form of violence.
“This type of violence is not ok! This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” stated Shapiro. “And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another, it’s not ok. And it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
Cody Balmer has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, terrorism, and aggravated arson, along with multiple other crimes. Authorities have not released any motives for the crime, and when asked, Balmer said he had been “harboring hatred” towards Shapiro.
According to investigators, Balmer gained access to the residence by breaking a window in the piano room and throwing an incendiary device into the house.
He then went into the home and threw a second incendiary device into the dining room. Both of these rooms suffered severe damage.
Balmer then was seen on camera fleeing the scene. However, he later turned himself into the Pennsylvania State Police.
Cody Balmer is currently undergoing medical treatment for ailments that are unrelated to the current case. He is under police supervision at the hospital and once he is released, the investigation and further interviews will continue. He could face both state and federal charges for his crimes.