Pennsylvania Governor’s Home Firebombed After Passover Celebration, Suspect Charged With Terrorism
By The Media Line Staff
A Pennsylvania man is facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and terrorism, after allegedly setting fire to Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence while the governor and his family were inside. The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday, just hours after the Jewish governor hosted a Passover Seder.
Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Cody Allen Balmer of Harrisburg. According to law enforcement, Balmer scaled a perimeter fence around the mansion, broke multiple windows, and threw Molotov cocktails into the piano and dining rooms. The Shapiro family—including the governor, his wife Lori, their four children, and two dogs—was safely evacuated by state troopers. No injuries were reported, but the residence sustained significant damage.
Balmer turned himself in later that day and is currently under police supervision at a hospital for unrelated medical issues. He has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, and terrorism. Prosecutors are also considering ethnic intimidation charges, Pennsylvania’s equivalent of hate crime legislation, due to evidence that Balmer targeted Shapiro because of his Jewish faith.
Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told CBS News Philadelphia that the affidavit includes references to the governor’s religion and that investigators believe the timing of the attack—during Passover—was not coincidental. While Pennsylvania’s ethnic intimidation law can increase the grading of charges, Balmer already faces five first-degree felonies, leaving little room for enhancement.
Balmer has a documented history of legal trouble, including a prior domestic violence case and a 2016 forgery conviction. His mother told reporters she had recently contacted authorities over concerns about his mental health but said her requests for help went unanswered. Social media posts linked to Balmer revealed erratic political opinions and grievances against multiple public figures.
The attack has raised serious questions about security protocols at the Governor’s Residence. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that troopers were present during the incident but said Balmer managed to evade detection during a short window. A security review is underway.
Shapiro, speaking at a press conference later that day, thanked first responders and condemned political violence. “I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other. … It’s not OK. And it has to stop,” he said.
Jewish leaders in Pittsburgh, including Rabbi Jeffrey Myers—whose congregation was targeted in the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue massacre—expressed sorrow and caution. “This can be a moment where it rips the scars off again,” Myers said.
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