Investigators were working to uncover the motive behind the weekend arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's mansion, the latest act of political violence in the United States.
They began digging into Cody Balmer's past after authorities say he climbed over a metal fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and set fire to the Pennsylvania governor's mansion.
Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, was denied bail Monday after being charged with attempted murder, terrorism and arson.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to court documents, he told police he planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he encountered him after breaking into the building.
The motives for the attack, including those related to Shapiro's political views or religious beliefs, are still unclear.
Ballmer's mother said she had called in recent days about his mental health problems but “no one wanted to help her.”
Christy Balmer said her son is not taking his medication.
However, in court, Balmer politely told the judge that he did not suffer from any mental illness.
The fire caused extensive damage and forced Shapiro, his family and guests, including other relatives, to evacuate the building early Sunday morning.
Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline said the home, built in 1968, had no sprinklers and damage could run into the millions of dollars.
Mr. Shapiro said he, his wife, four children, two dogs and another family celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover in a room Saturday night with members of the Harrisburg Jewish community.
At about 2 a.m. on Sunday, they were awakened by police knocking on the door.
They fled and firefighters put out the fire, officials said.
No one was hurt.
Ballmer walked an hour from his home to the governor's residence and, when questioned by police, “admitted to harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro,” according to an affidavit that does not elaborate on that point.
He then returned home, where police said the clothes he was wearing at the time and a small sledgehammer were later found.
Bulmer turned himself in at state police headquarters, confessing to his ex-partner and asking her to call police, which she did, the statement said.
Authorities have not said whether he has a lawyer.
Ballmer, who said he was an unemployed welder with no income or savings, was due to go on trial this week on an assault charge in which he was accused of punching two relatives and stomping on a child's broken leg in 2023.
In court on Monday, he told the judge he had no drug or alcohol problems but acknowledged he had missed several court appearances in the past.
Hours after the fire, an emotional Mr Shapiro, considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, said the attacker had failed to prevent him from doing his job or practicing his religion.
“I refuse to be trapped in the slavery that someone is trying to force me into by attacking us like they did last night,” Mr. Shapiro said on Sunday.
“I will not allow anyone with such evil intentions to stop me from doing what I love.”
Police said Bulmer, a registered independent voter, appeared to have carefully planned the attack.
He was inside the home for about a minute before escaping and was later arrested in the area, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said.
He jumped a nearly seven-foot iron security fence surrounding the property, eluded officers who were alerted to the trespassing, and forced his way into the home before setting it on fire, authorities said. He used beer bottles filled with gasoline to make Molotov cocktails, the documents say.
According to online court records, Bulmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade, including simple assault, theft and forgery.
He's also had financial problems in recent years: In 2022, a lender filed to foreclose on a modest Harrisburg home he owned because he was behind on mortgage payments, court records show.
Title deeds show Ballmer sold the home for $60,000 last September to pay off a debt.
He is the father of at least three children, and two women filed lawsuits seeking custody agreements for the children in 2012 and 2023.
The fire severely damaged the large room, which is often used for entertaining the public and hosting art exhibitions.
The large windows facing west and south were missing glass, and the walkways were littered with broken glass.
Through the broken windows and fire-blackened doors one could see a burnt piano, tables, walls, a metal buffet with dishes and much more.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
