HARRISBURG, Pa. — A man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion and setting a fire that caused serious damage during the Jewish holiday of Passover. This incident forced Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests to evacuate.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames early Sunday morning, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. The suspect, 38-year-old Cody Balmer, was found nearby later that day after he turned himself in. According to court documents, Balmer confessed that he intended to attack Governor Shapiro.
The investigation revealed that Balmer scaled a tall security fence and entered a room used for gatherings and art displays. He used a homemade device to start the fire, which resulted in extensive damage, charring walls and furniture. Authorities discovered broken beer bottles with gasoline, indicating a premeditated act.
Balmer now faces serious charges, including attempted murder and aggravated arson. He reportedly harbored some animosity toward Governor Shapiro, although no specific motive has been provided. Interestingly, mental health issues seem to play a role in Balmer’s recent actions. His mother mentioned trying to secure help for him but struggled to find the necessary resources. She indicated that he has suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing mental health services in the U.S. A recent study showed that nearly 20% of adults in the U.S. experienced mental illness in 2021. Yet, many people still struggle to access care.
Governor Shapiro, who is a notable figure in the Democratic Party, was celebrating Passover with his family when they were woken up by state troopers at around 2 a.m. Shapiro is known for his commitment to his Jewish faith, often sharing personal stories involving both family and community.
The timing of the attack, during one of the most significant holidays for Jews, adds a disturbing layer to this incident. Passover celebrates freedom and liberation, so the nature of the attack was particularly jarring for those in the community.
As authorities continue their investigation, one thing is clear: issues surrounding mental health, public safety, and security are more crucial than ever in our communities.
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Source linkPennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, Fires, Cody Balmer, Law enforcement, Crime, Arson, Indictments, General news, PA State Wire, AP Top News, Politics, Christie Balmer, Evacuations, U.S. news, Christopher Paris
