Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris said the fire was a carefully planned attack, but emphasized the investigation is continuing.
Police allege Balmer broke into the southern wing of the residence, entering a piano room, and set a fire using a homemade incendiary device. Police said two broken glass bottles containing gasoline were found. The fire damaged the room, charring walls, tables, serving dishes, plates and a piano. Windows, along with the brick around doors, were blackened.
Balmer was inside for around a minute before he left and escaped the premises, authorities said.
Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline said the home, built in 1968, did not have sprinklers. He said the damages could be millions of dollars.
Authorities said Balmer, who turned himself in after police received a call from a female ex-partner who said he confessed, faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
Balmer, who had walked about an hour from his home to the governor’s residence, “admitted to harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro,” according to a police affidavit. A reason for the hatred was not given.
Balmer’s mother told The Associated Press on Monday that she had tried recently to get him assistance for mental health issues, but “nobody would help.” She said her son had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
“He wasn’t taking his medicine, and that’s all I want to say,” Christie Balmer said, speaking at the family home in Harrisburg.
Balmer was taken to a hospital for treatment following an unknown medical event not related to the incident, authorities said Monday. Balmer remains under state police supervision and will be transported to the Dauphin County jail for indictment upon release.
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