The man accused of setting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence on fire in April was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison as part of a plea deal. Cody Balmer, 38, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, aggravated arson, 22 counts of arson, burglary and other offenses at a court hearing on Tuesday. While the official residence in the state capital of Harrisburg was severely damaged during the fire, people home at the time - including Shapiro, his wife, his four children, and guests and staff members - were able to escape unscathed.
Shapiro said his family was supportive of the plea agreement announced by prosecutors. The attack against the governor and his family is part of a wave of political violence in the US, which has included attempts to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and two assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump. At a press conference on Tuesday, Governor Shapiro, standing alongside his wife, mentioned that his family has been relying on their faith while recovering from the traumatic experience.
“We will forever be changed by this, we know that time will heal, but the scars will remain,” Shapiro said. The attack occurred on the second day of Passover, a holiday the governor celebrated the night before.
Balmer, who admitted to using petrol from a lawn mower to create Molotov cocktails for the attack, turned himself in 13 hours later, expressing hatred towards Governor Shapiro. He disclosed to police that he would have physically assaulted the governor had he encountered him. Shapiro, a Democrat who took office in 2023, has been considered a prospective candidate for future presidential elections.
Shapiro said his family was supportive of the plea agreement announced by prosecutors. The attack against the governor and his family is part of a wave of political violence in the US, which has included attempts to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and two assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump. At a press conference on Tuesday, Governor Shapiro, standing alongside his wife, mentioned that his family has been relying on their faith while recovering from the traumatic experience.
“We will forever be changed by this, we know that time will heal, but the scars will remain,” Shapiro said. The attack occurred on the second day of Passover, a holiday the governor celebrated the night before.
Balmer, who admitted to using petrol from a lawn mower to create Molotov cocktails for the attack, turned himself in 13 hours later, expressing hatred towards Governor Shapiro. He disclosed to police that he would have physically assaulted the governor had he encountered him. Shapiro, a Democrat who took office in 2023, has been considered a prospective candidate for future presidential elections.
