Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were the subject of arson set on the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg by one Cody Balmer over the weekend. Governor Shapiro gave a statement and held a press conference with Pennsylvania law enforcement authorities late yesterday afternoon. I have posted the video below. Governor Shapiro acknowledged his conversation with FBI Director Kash Patel near the top of his statement.
I’m about to speak to Pennsylvanians about the arson attack on the Governor’s Residence.
Watch: https://t.co/mGz79YWu8x
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
At the time of the press conference Balmer had already been apprehended, taken into custody, and confessed to his acts. Pennsylvania law enforcement authorities have posted a press release on the resulting charges here. The underlying probable cause affidavit is posted here. CNN has a good summary here.
According to the affidavit, Balmer admitted to “harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro.” He told police that he walked for about an hour from his home to the governor’s residence with he aim of throwing homemade Molotov cocktails inside. If he had found Shapiro, he said, he would have attacked him with the hammer he used to break into the residence. He was a man with a plan.
I trust the authorities will get a handle on the source of Balmer’s hatred of Shapiro. Until they do, or until other evidence emerges, I think tact is the better part of wisdom.
