Judge Denies Bail For Man Accused Of Setting Fire At Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Residence

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: Police line cordon is seen at Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion after a suspected arson attack caused significant damage in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man who allegedly scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion has been denied bail Monday after a brief court appearance. Cody Balmer did not enter a plea to charges that include attempted homicide, terrorism and arson. Authorities say Balmer had planned to beat Gov. Josh Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he encountered him early Sunday. The motive remains unclear but police say he “admitted to harboring hatred” toward Shapiro. The fire left significant damage and forced the governor, his family and guests to evacuate the building early Sunday.