Harrisburg, PA – The man who firebombed the mansion of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro pleaded guilty today, bringing a resolution to a case that sparked concerns about politically motivated violence and antisemitism.Andrew George Balmer, 34, entered the guilty plea in Dauphin County Court, admitting to intentionally setting fire to the governor’s residence in Perry County on October 1, 2023.
The arson caused significant damage to the 1968-built home, wiht investigators finding broken glass beer bottles containing gasoline. Charred walls, tables, buffet serving dishes, plates, and a piano were among the items damaged, along with window panes and brickwork around doors and windows. No one was injured in the attack,which occurred during the Jewish holiday of Passover,initially raising questions about Shapiro’s faith as a potential motive.
Balmer, in a May letter from jail to The Associated Press, denied that Shapiro’s religion played any role in his actions, stating, “He can be Jewish, Muslim, or a purple people eater for all I care and provided that he leaves me and mine alone.” He later acknowledged in a June interview from Camp Hill State Prison that he had considered the possibility of children being harmed, expressing relief that no one was hurt. However, he refused to elaborate on why he believed Shapiro had wronged him.
Court proceedings had been previously delayed to allow Balmer to receive mental health treatment, as his mother stated she had unsuccessfully sought assistance for his mental health issues prior to the arson. Balmer told a judge shortly after his arrest that he was an unemployed welder with no income or savings and “a lot of children.”
Work to repair the damage and enhance the security of the governor’s residence is ongoing. Sentencing for Balmer is scheduled for a later date.
