Suspect In Custody After Governors Mansion Set On Fire
by Alex Lloyd Gross
FILE PHOTO OF GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO BY ALEX LLOYD GROSS.
“This is not okay,”, that is what Governor Josh Shapiro said when talking about the violence that led one male to break into the Governors Mansion and set it on fire overnight in Harrisburg. No one was injured. The governor was with his family and hosting another family as well when the fire happened.
Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris said the suspect was identified as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg. He is will formally charged with multiple crimes includes attempted murder, authorities said.
It was about 2:00 AM when Balmer hopped a fence and forced entry into the property, authorities said. he was arrested hours later, nearby.Former Governors were quick to weigh in with comments denoucing the attack.
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, a Republican, called the attack a “despicable act of cowardice” and said he hoped Pennsylvanians joined he and his wife in keeping the Shapiros in their prayers. Tom Ridge called it “Heartbreaking”.
Shapiro said that this attack will make him work even harder to the commonwealth and was visibly angry during an afternoon press conference in Harrisburg. Shapiro is said to be a serious contender for the office of President Of the United States in 2028.