The preliminary hearing for the man accused of firebombing the Governor’s Residence in April is being waived. That means the case will move on to arraignment in Dauphin County Court, though nothing is scheduled yet.
Cody Balmer, 38, pleaded not guilty to all charges, including terrorism, aggravated assault and attempted homicide, shortly after his arrest in April, and is being held without bail. He is being represented by a public defender.
Neither the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office, nor Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office, immediately responded to requests for comment.
Balmer faces 50 felony and misdemeanor charges in connection to the firebombing of the Governor’s Residence.
Early in the morning on April 14, state police allege he hopped the fence of the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, broke a window in the home with a hammer and set off multiple Molotov cocktails in a reception room. Balmer was able to evade security and exit the property.
Shapiro and members of his family were asleep inside the residence after celebrating the first night of the Jewish Passover holiday. The room that was primarily damaged was set up for a Seder the following night.
Shapiro is the highest ranking Jewish official in Pennsylvania.
Balmer was arrested after turning himself in later that same day. He told police that he “harbored hatred towards Governor Shapiro,” according to documents released by the Pennsylvania State Police.
He also told a 911 dispatcher he wanted Shapiro to know he “would not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.”
Shapiro has drawn some criticism for his support of Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that began the ongoing war in Gaza, and his efforts to quell campus protests in Pennsylvania that followed. He’s also been critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country’s conduct during the war.
Shortly after his arrest, Balmer’s mother told CBS News that her son struggled with mental illness and was not taking medication, though Balmer denied having any mental illness at a hearing in April.
