Molotov Molotov Shapiro: Bipolar Arsonist’s 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 receipts—22 counts of arson, aggravated assault, burglary, reckless endangerment, and a dash of terrorism—decided 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 mother’s attempts to get him mental health help due to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, police couldn’t 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. It’s 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