Arsonist Sentenced for Endangering Pennsylvania Governor’s Family in Chilling Residence Fire

A Pennsylvania man has been handed a prison sentence of 25 to 50 years for firebombing the residence of the governor earlier this year.

Cory Balmer, who initially entered a not guilty plea, later changed his plea to guilty on 50 charges connected to the incident, as reported by WFMZ.

During the attack on April 13, Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and several guests, including eight children, were asleep following a Passover celebration at the Harrisburg mansion. Fortunately, everyone managed to escape unharmed, according to a previous report by CrimeOnline.

In Tuesday’s court proceedings, prosecutors presented surveillance footage capturing Balmer’s actions during the attack.

The prosecution revealed that Balmer confessed to filling bottles with gasoline sourced from his lawn mower and then walking to the governor’s residence. He also admitted to planning an assault on Shapiro with a hammer if he had come across him during the attack.

Balmer declined to speak at the hearing, but his family apologized to Shapiro and his family in a letter read in the court. The letter described Balmer as a devoted father and son.