15 sources·Politics

Cody Balmer Arrested for Arson Attack on Gov. Shapiro's Mansion Amid Personal Struggles

Cody Balmer, arrested for arson at Gov. Shapiro's home, faces multiple charges following a violent personal history and alleged domestic violence.

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  3. Who is Cody Allen Balmer? Suspect accused of arson attack on Gov. Shapiro's home

    Balmer had grappled with a protracted back-and-forth over foreclosure proceedings, and allegations that he assaulted his then-wife and children amid what he told police was his failed attempt at suicide.

    Who is Cody Allen Balmer? Suspect accused of arson attack on Gov. Shapiro's home

    ABC NewsABC News·4d
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  4. Arson attack on Gov. Shapiro: Suspect ordered held while police try to unravel mystery

    Shapiro, Pennsylvania's third Jewish governor, has been a focal point of criticism from some pro-Palestinian groups for his staunch support of Israeli during its army's unrelenting assault on Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

    Arson attack on Gov. Shapiro: Suspect ordered held while police try to unravel mystery

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·4d
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  5. What the Josh Shapiro Attack Reveals

    All of this is to say that when Trump condemns acts of political violence, it’s impossible to take him seriously.

    What the Josh Shapiro Attack Reveals

    The AtlanticThe Atlantic·4d
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  6. Arson at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence exposes potential security failures

    The intruder's ability to break into the Governor's Residence and then flee — only for a suspect to be apprehended after he turned himself in hours later — exposes potential security gaps and calls into question how a breakdown in protocols seemingly occurred, former state law enforcement officials said.

    Arson at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence exposes potential security failures

    NBC NewsNBC News·4d
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  10. Suspect Charged in Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion Arson

    This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society.

    Suspect Charged in Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion Arson

    TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·4d
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    This outlet slightly leans left.
  1. Chicago Tribune
  2. Boston Herald
  3. ABC News
  4. USA TODAY
  5. The Atlantic
  6. NBC News
  7. FOX News
  8. PBS NewsHour
  9. CNN
  10. TIME Magazine
Updated: Apr 15th, 2025, 9:26 AM ET

Summary

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Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested for breaking into Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion and setting it ablaze using Molotov cocktails. Balmer's anti-government sentiments online led to charges of attempted homicide, aggravated arson, and terrorism. Reports reveal he faces ongoing domestic violence allegations and financial issues, including a pending foreclosure. Balmer had previously attempted suicide and struggled with mental health, according to his family. During the Passover celebration, Shapiro's family evacuated unharmed. Investigators noted significant security breaches at the mansion, raising questions about how Balmer evaded detection. Shapiro condemned the attack, highlighting rising political violence in the U.S.

Perspectives

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  • Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the violence following the arson attack on his home, emphasizing that such acts are not acceptable regardless of political affiliations.

  • Cody Balmer, the suspect, expressed hatred towards Shapiro and intended to harm him, highlighting the danger that violent political rhetoric poses.

  • The rise in politically motivated violence is alarming, and leaders from both sides must work towards addressing this issue through peaceful engagement.

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Cody Balmer Arrested for Arson Attack on Gov. Shapiro's Mansion Amid Personal Struggles - Pano News