Pennsylvania man pleads guilty in arson attack at governor's mansion

"HARRISBURG, Pa. A man who scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and used beer bottles filled with gasoline to ignite the occupied Pennsylvania governor's mansion pleaded guilty Tuesday to the attempted murder of Gov. Josh Shapiro. Cody Balmer also entered pleas to terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault, 21 counts of reckless endangerment and loitering in the April 13 attack that caused millions of dollars in damage to the state-owned brick building."

"Under a plea deal, Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison, far less than he could have faced if the case went to trial. He declined to address the judge about the crime, answering questions with short, simple answers. Defense attorney Bryan Walk said Balmer "is taking full responsibility" and paying "a hefty price for a man who's 38 years old." Accountability for political violenceShapiro said afterward that he and his family support the plea deal, and that it provides real accountability."

"They had to be awakened and evacuated, but no one was injured in the fire. The multiple arson and endangerment charges reflected the number of people in the residence at the time, including guests and state troopers. Shapiro lamented the impact of increasing political violence, noting he's heard from leaders around the world about their own sense of vulnerability and from potential political candidates who say they don't want to run because it would put their families at risk."

Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to attempted murder, terrorism, 22 counts of arson and multiple related charges after scaling a security fence, eluding police and using beer bottles filled with gasoline to set fire to the occupied Pennsylvania governor's mansion on April 13. Under a plea deal, Balmer received a 25-to-50-year prison sentence. The governor, his family and guests were awakened and evacuated; no injuries occurred but the state-owned brick building suffered millions in damage. Multiple counts reflected the number of people present, including state troopers. The attack intensified concerns about rising political violence and its deterrent effect on potential candidates.

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