"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 attempted murder and other charges. Cody Balmer, 38, also entered pleas to terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault of Gov. Josh Shapiro, 21 counts of reckless endangerment and loitering in the April 13 attack that did millions of dollars in damage to the state-owned brick building."
"Prosecutors played video clips that showed Molotov cocktails going off and a figure inside and outside the residence. Judge Deborah Curcillo called the video "horrific" and "very frightening." Balmer told police he planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he had encountered him after breaking into the building, according to court documents. Balmer turned himself in the next afternoon to face charges of attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault."
Cody Balmer, 38, scaled an iron security fence at night, entered the Pennsylvania governor's mansion and used gasoline-filled beer bottles to start fires in the occupied residence. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder, terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault of Gov. Josh Shapiro, 21 counts of reckless endangerment and loitering and received a 25-to-50-year sentence under a plea deal. Shapiro, family members and state troopers were awakened and evacuated with no injuries. Video evidence showed Molotov cocktails and a figure inside and outside the residence. Investigators recovered broken gasoline bottles, extensive interior damage, charred furnishings, damaged window panes and brick. The attack occurred during Passover, prompting questions about motive. Balmer told police he planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer and he surrendered the next afternoon.
Read at ABC7 New York
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