Arsonist faced multiple arrests and foreclosure issues, while leaving a history of violent online behavior.

A 38-year-old man from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, identified as Cody Balmer, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a recent security incident at the governor’s mansion, where he allegedly sought to harm Governor Josh Shapiro. Authorities reported that Balmer harbored intense animosity towards the Democratic governor, even declaring he would have attacked Shapiro with a hammer had he encountered him on the premises early Sunday morning.

Despite the apparent political motivations behind his actions, investigations into Balmer’s voter registration reveal that he is not affiliated with any political party, nor does his digital presence exhibit overt political engagement. His social media activity reflects a troubled life characterized by posts regarding substance abuse, relational issues, and challenges relating to parenting, alongside a diverse array of political memes.

Balmer is currently hospitalized due to a medical event unrelated to his arrest, resulting in a postponement of his arraignment. His mother conveyed to media outlets that Balmer suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, emphasizing that he had not been adhering to his medication regimen. She also indicated that she had made efforts to secure him mental health assistance recently.

The incident unfolded when Balmer walked for an hour to the governor’s residence, successfully evading security measures before scaling a fence and breaking in. An affidavit reveals that he ignited a bottle filled with gasoline in the mansion’s piano room before moving into the dining area, causing extensive damage estimated to potentially reach millions of dollars, given the historical significance of the building.

Shapiro had hosted a Passover Seder with his family the previous evening, and reports indicated that around 25 guests were present during the arson. Fire officials noted that a closed door may have prevented the fire from spreading further into the residence.

Publicly available records point towards a troubled past for Balmer, who has a history of legal issues, including traffic citations and charges related to forging documents. He was sentenced to probation following a plea in a related case. His personal circumstances include multiple custody battles and recent unemployment, as he appears to have left his position at a local auto repair shop in 2023.

Balmer’s online presence prior to his apparent withdrawal from social media showcased a mixture of posts, some critical of political figures from across the spectrum, including former President Joe Biden. His actions, particularly the arson incident, are still under investigation, including the possibility of classifying the act as a hate crime, given the timing and the expressed sentiments leading up to the incident.

The state police continue to probe the motivations behind Balmer’s actions, which transpired during a sensitive cultural observance, further complicating the implications of this case. Media News Source will provide updates as further information becomes available.