Bail was denied yesterday for the suspect in the arson at the Governor’s mansion in Harrisburg.
Cody Balmer was arraigned on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated arson, aggravated assault and other crimes connected with the fire early Sunday morning. Investigators say the 38-year-old Harrisburg man jumped a security fence at the residence, eluded police that were alerted to his presence, broke into the mansion and set fire to the building, causing what is estimated to be millions in damage to the facility’s south wing. Governor Josh Shapiro was home at the time, and the attack happened just hours after he, his family and some guests celebrated the first night of Passover. Balmer turned himself into police later on Sunday.
While a specific motive is not yet known, Governor Shapiro believes the attack to be targeted. Balmer told police after he turned himself in that he had a grudge against the governor to the point that he wanted to beat Shapiro with a hammer if the two met in person. Balmer’s mother has also said that her son was mentally unstable, and had not taken his medication.
A preliminary hearing is set for April 23rd.
