Arson at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence: Man with Molotov Cocktails Arrested
In Pennsylvania, a man broke into Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence with Molotov cocktails and started a fire while the family was asleep. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
Photo: pacast.com
On Sunday night in Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, 38-year-old Cody Balmer illegally entered the residence of Governor Josh Shapiro and committed arson, officials announced at a press conference.
The man climbed over a secured two-meter fence, quietly entered the southern wing of the building, and set fire to a room usually used for receptions and exhibitions.
Balmer used homemade incendiary devices. The fire damaged walls, furniture, dishes, and a piano, while windows and doors were covered in soot.
The attacker initially escaped but was later apprehended. The motive for the crime remains unknown.
Josh Shapiro said that he, his wife, and their children were awakened by a knock on the door — they were promptly evacuated by state police officers.
Firefighters from the Harrisburg department quickly arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze.
No injuries were reported. According to Shapiro, he is grateful to the emergency responders for their coordinated actions. An investigation is underway.
Earlier it was reported that the Sunset Fire, which broke out in the Hollywood Hills, led to the urgent evacuation of local residents, the closure of popular tourist sites, and posed a threat to Los Angeles landmarks.
It was also reported that hurricane-force winds reaching up to 160 km/h triggered massive wildfires in Southern California, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and putting tens of thousands of buildings at risk.