Suspect in arson at Pennsylvania gov’s home says he planned to attack Shapiro with hammer

A man who authorities say scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police, and broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion where he set a fire told police he planned to beat Gov. Josh Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he found him, according to court documents.

Cody Balmer is in police custody at a hospital after an unrelated medical event, state police say.

The fire left significant damage and forced Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building early Sunday. Balmer, who was arrested later in the day, faces charges including attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault, authorities say.

Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 a.m. Sunday. They fled, and firefighters extinguished the fire, officials said. No one was injured.