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Cody Balmer, the suspect in the arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, has waived his preliminary hearing. The decision means the case will proceed to arraignment in Dauphin County Court, although no date has been set yet. Balmer, 38, faces multiple charges, including attempted homicide, terrorism, and aggravated assault, after allegedly setting fire to the residence in April while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside.
According to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, Balmer pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently held without bail. The incident occurred early in the morning on April 14, when Balmer allegedly broke a window and set off Molotov cocktails in a reception room. The attack happened as the Shapiro family was celebrating the Jewish Passover holiday.
Balmer, who turned himself in later that day, reportedly told police he harbored hatred towards Governor Shapiro. He also expressed opposition to Shapiro's stance on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Balmer's mother has mentioned his struggles with mental illness, though Balmer denied this during an April hearing.
The case has drawn attention due to the political and personal motivations behind the attack. Governor Shapiro, the highest-ranking Jewish official in Pennsylvania, has faced criticism for his support of Israel and his handling of related protests. As the case moves forward, both the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office and Governor Shapiro's office have yet to comment on the waiver of the preliminary hearing.