Pa. man pleads guilty to terrorism and arson in governor's residence

A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism and dozens of related charges after prosecutors said he set fire to the state governor's residence in Harrisburg in the predawn hours of April 13 while Gov. Josh Shapiro and family members were inside. Cody Balmer, 38, admitted in Dauphin County court to breaking into the residence, using gasoline-filled beer bottles to ignite a blaze that caused millions of dollars in damage, and said he would have attacked the governor with a hammer if confronted, according to court documents and prosecutors.

Under a plea deal, Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison. He entered guilty pleas to terrorism, 22 counts of arson and one count of aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault of the governor, 21 counts of reckless endangerment and other charges, prosecutors said. No one was injured but about 25 people, including the governor's family, guests and state troopers, were awakened and evacuated.

Authorities said video shown at the hearing captured Molotov cocktails igniting and a figure moving inside and outside the residence. Judge Deborah Curcillo described the footage as "horrific and...