Jay Block, a state senator for New Mexico's District 12, called for an end to political violence following an arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor's mansion. He made this statement in a post on social media platform X on April 14.
"This guy needs to be locked up for a very long time either in a mental health facility or jail," said Block. "Very happy the Gov, his family, and staff are safe. The political violence must end. Not the American way, it's the terrorists way."
On April 13, a fire broke out at Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in Harrisburg, forcing him and his family to evacuate while they were asleep. The individual reportedly responsible for the incident, Cody Balmer, aged 38, was arrested later that day. According to CBS News, Balmer faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, among other crimes. Balmer was denied bail. His mother informed CBS News that her son suffers from mental illness and was off his medication at the time of the incident. She had previously attempted to have him taken into custody but received no assistance from four police departments.
Screenshot of State Senator Jay Block's April 14 post on X
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According to CNN, Balmer allegedly climbed the fence surrounding Governor Shapiro's residence and used a homemade Molotov cocktail made from lawnmower gas and beer bottles to ignite the fire. Court records indicate that Balmer later said he would have attacked Shapiro with a hammer if they had encountered each other. Authorities are investigating potential motives for Balmer’s actions, including possible antisemitic motivations.
NBC News reports that during a court appearance before Dauphin County Judge Dale Klein, Balmer claimed he was not mentally ill and did not take medication for mental health issues. He also revealed that he lived with his parents and was unemployed while admitting to having been arrested previously and missing several court dates. Judge Klein denied bail due to concerns about Balmer posing a danger to himself and the community.
State Senator Jay Block is noted as a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former nuclear weapons officer. He became the first Republican elected to the Sandoval County Commission where he concentrated on economic development and public safety initiatives. His campaign website notes endorsements from both Firefighters' and Sheriff's Deputies' unions.
