Overview
- Balmer, 38, admitted to attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, 22 counts of arson, burglary and related offenses in Dauphin County Court under a plea deal.
- He scaled the fence at the Harrisburg residence on April 13, broke windows with a hammer and ignited two Molotov cocktails as Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family, guests and troopers slept; all escaped unharmed.
- In a 911 call and police interviews, Balmer cited anger over Shapiro’s stance on the Gaza war, said he harbored hatred toward the governor and stated he would have attacked him with a hammer if confronted.
- Authorities released surveillance video showing the break-in and fires, and a judge described the footage as horrific as prosecutors detailed attempts to force doors near sleeping quarters.
- The attack caused millions in damage and prompted security upgrades and repairs at the state-owned residence reported at more than $6 million, with Shapiro and his wife submitting victim impact statements.