A Pennsylvania man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly setting fire to Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg early Sunday morning. The suspect, Cody Balmer, 38, turned himself in and told police he hated the first-term Democratic governor. Court records say Balmer claimed he would have used a hammer to attack Shapiro if the governor had been home. This alarming act is part of a rising wave of political violence across the United States, raising concerns for public officials’ safety at all levels.
Rising Tensions Lead to Dangerous Acts
The arson attack is not an isolated case. In recent years, threats and violent actions against elected leaders and government officials have increased across the U.S.
The political divide in the country continues to widen. “We are frighteningly divided,” said Arndrea Waters King, daughter-in-law of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., in a past interview with USA TODAY. “We really are at odds in a way in which, actually I don’t think I’ve ever seen quite to this degree in this lifetime.”
Details of the Shapiro Arson Case
Court documents reveal that Cody Balmer admitted to starting the fire at Governor Shapiro’s residence out of political anger. He is now facing multiple charges, including arson, attempted murder, and burglary.
The governor and his family were not harmed. But the event sparked immediate concern about growing threats toward public officials, especially those involved in high-profile political roles.
Balmer reportedly told investigators that he had been planning the attack and was ready to use violence if he had come face-to-face with Shapiro.
Not the First Attack on a Politician
This case follows several other violent incidents involving American politicians.
On July 13, 2024, former President Donald Trump, then campaigning for a second term, was shot in the ear by a sniper while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Secret Service agents quickly rushed him offstage. A bystander named Corey Comperatore was killed during the shooting.
NBC News reporter Jonathan Allen commented that the country “narrowly escaped the tragedy of a major nominee for president and former president being killed.” He added, “That’s no small thing.”
Just two months later, Trump survived a second assassination attempt while golfing in Florida.
Supreme Court Justices Request Extra Protection
Political violence has not been limited to elected officials. Even the U.S. Supreme Court has faced threats.
After the leaked 2022 draft opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade, the justices became targets of threats and protests. Justice Brett Kavanaugh was one of them. That summer, a man from California was arrested outside Kavanaugh’s Maryland home. He had a gun and a knife.
In response, the Supreme Court has asked Congress for more funding to improve security for the justices and their families. “A judicial system cannot and should not live in fear,” Chief Justice John Roberts said in his 2022 annual report.
Lawmakers and Families Face Violence Too
Members of Congress have also been attacked in recent years. In October 2022, Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was attacked in their San Francisco home. The attacker broke in and struck Paul with a hammer.
This chilling event showed that not only politicians but also their families are now at risk.
What’s Fueling the Violence?
Experts point to growing political division, increased misinformation, and online radicalization as key factors behind the rising violence.
People on both sides of the political spectrum have expressed frustration, but some individuals have taken that frustration to dangerous levels.
Christine Ramos of Mason, Michigan, told the Akron Beacon Journal in 2024, “Whether you like Trump or not… the violence is just out of control.”
Officials Call for More Security
Following recent incidents, public officials have called for more safety measures.
Lawmakers from both parties have pushed for increased protection for governors, judges, and members of Congress. Some have also asked for better mental health support and law enforcement tracking of extremist threats.
