Pennsylvania news
A man is facing charges after authorities say he broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion
A man is facing charges after authorities say he broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion to set a fire at 2 Am his family and guests to evacuate the building during the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Firefighters extinguished the fire early Sunday morning and no injuries were reported. The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested nearby later in the day, Pennsylvania state police said.
Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris said the fire was a carefully planned attack but emphasized the investigation is continuing. He did not give a possible motive.
Balmer apparently scaled an iron security fence that stands around 7 feet (2.1 meters) and is monitored by security cameras, police said.
Police became aware someone had climbed over the fence on the southern wing of the residence and began a pursuit on the grounds but initially didn’t locate anyone.
Authorities said Balmer will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault.
Balmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft, and forgery, according to online court records. He drew a sentence of probation after guilty pleas to theft and forgery counts. Simple assault charges from 2023 appeared unresolved.
