Summary
Cody Balmer, 38, was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison for setting fire to the Pennsylvania Governor's residence in April. Despite severe damage to the residence, Governor Josh Shapiro and his family escaped unharmed. Balmer pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempted murder and arson.
Key Facts
- Cody Balmer set fire to Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in April.
- He was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty.
- The charges included attempted murder, aggravated arson, and burglary.
- The governor and his family escaped without injury from the fire.
- Balmer admitted to using Molotov cocktails made from petrol and beer bottles.
- He turned himself in 13 hours after the fire and confessed to harboring hatred toward the governor.
- The incident is noted as part of a wave of political violence in the U.S.
- Governor Shapiro has been serving since 2023 and considered as a potential future presidential candidate.
