Molotov Molotov Shapiro: Bipolar Arsonistâs Fiery Plan Backfires Hard
On April 13, Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old Harrisburg native with a laundry list of charges longer than most grocery receiptsâ22 counts of arson, aggravated assault, burglary, reckless endangerment, and a dash of terrorismâdecided to throw a very exclusive fiery afterparty at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's official residence. This happened just hours after Shapiro hosted a Passover seder, because nothing screams 'holiday spirit' like Molotov cocktails. Balmer vowed to boost the carnage with hammer-wielding ambitions if he met the governor. Despite his motherâs attempts to get him mental health help due to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, police couldnât admit him involuntarily. Result? Thirty years to a half-century behind bars. Meanwhile, Shapiro, the Jewish governor contending with controversial Gaza war stances and campus protests, walked out unscathed with his family. Itâs hard to have a calm Passover seder when your evening starts with a fiery madness encore.
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Source: Axios | Published: 10/14/2025 | Author: Ryan Deto