A Central Pennsylvania man admitted to throwing Molotov cocktails into the Governor’s Residence and told investigators he intended to harm Gov. Josh Shapiro, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed early Monday morning.
Cody A. Balmer, 38, of Penbrook Borough, told state police he walked about an hour to the state-owned Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg early Sunday morning and breached a perimeter fence before tossing the incendiary devices into the building.
According to the affidavit, Balmer broke a window and threw a Molotov cocktail into the residence, then broke another window and entered the building, where he deployed a second device in the dining hall.
State police said Balmer then fled and climbed back over the fence.
Security video showed Balmer fleeing from the scene, state police said.
Gov. Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated as the residence burned before being put out by firefighter from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire.
State police fire marshal’s said they found broken Heineken beer bottles filled with gasoline at the scene.
Near the residence, troopers said they found mismatched gloves smelling of gasoline that matched those seen on Balmer in the security video.
Balmer’s former paramour contacted state police and said he had confessed to her and wanted her to alert law enforcement.
Balmer later approached a trooper outside state police headquarters just outside of Harrisburg and surrendered, admitting to the crime, troopers said.
During questioning at the Harrisburg state police barracks, Balmer told investigators he removed gasoline from a lawnmower and filled the beer bottles at his home. He said he was aware his actions could have harmed people inside the residence and that he would have attacked Shapiro with a hammer if he had encountered him, court papers stated.
Balmer said he returned home and changed his clothes after the attack, state police said.
Troopers said Balmer had a small sledgehammer with him during the incident.
Balmer was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, reckless endangerment, terrorism, aggravated assault, and loitering and prowling at nighttime. He was awaiting a preliminary arraignment Monday morning.
The exact motive of Balmer’s dislike for the governor was not clear, but his Facebook page showed several anti-establishment posts. He put that former President Joe Biden owed him money, stated a dislike for Biden supporters, and also shared posts from conservative political influencers in years past. He also posted mocking supporters of President Donald Trump, while sharing that people should “stop being Democratic or Republican.”
Shapiro, who is from Montgomery County, said he and his family were unharmed in the early morning fire and were awakened by the state police protective detail.
The fire caused “significant” damage to the 29,000-square-foot residence. The damage appeared to be largely confined to a hall used for public events.
State police Lt. Col. George Bivens told reporters Sunday evening that troopers at the residence were alerted to a potential intruder and were searching the grounds when the attack happened.
“He clearly had a plan. He was very methodical in his approach, and moved through it without a lot of hurry,” Bivens said. “It all happened very quickly and he was back out.”
State police, the Pennsylvania Capitol Police, Harrisburg police, and the FBI were involved in the probe into the attack.
While addressing reporters, State police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris stated troopers would conduct an internal review of staff, physical security measures, and safety equipment.
Shapiro said he had confidence in his state police security detail, which protect him, his family, the official residence, and his family’s Montgomery County home.
Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
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