The arson attack targeting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence is the latest in a recent spate of security failures that have left America’s VIPs in danger, raising questions about what has led to the breakdown.
The suspect in the arson, Cody Balmer, who turned himself in following the attack, gained access to the historic Pennsylvania governor’s mansion by climbing over an exterior fence and smashing windows to gain entry to the interior of the home. Questions are swirling about how Balmer remained undetected by the State Police detail that maintains an office there. The Pennsylvania State Police announced on Wednesday that it would conduct an independent review of security at the mansion that will be carried out by a “third party expert.”
The incident follows the two assassination attempts against President Donald Trump last year that followed significant security breaches, the bizarre break-in and hammer attack at former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s California residence, and significant security failures on Jan. 6.
David DePape, who attacked Pelosi’s husband Paul, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for the attack and in a subsequent state trial was handed a life term without the possibility of parole. PBS reported that when given the chance to address the court prior to his sentencing, DePape spoke at length about Sept. 11 being an “inside job,” his ex-wife being replaced by a body double, and his government-provided attorneys conspiring against him.