Crime
Cody Balmer Arrested for Arson, Terrorism After Setting Fire to Residence with Josh Shapiro, family inside
A 38-year-old Harrisburg man, identified as Cody Balmer, has been arrested and is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly setting a fire that caused significant damage to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg early Sunday morning, prompting a swift evacuation of Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and their guests.
According to Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo, Balmer will be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault in connection with the incident, which unfolded around 2:00 a.m. on April 13, 2025.
Authorities say Balmer illegally entered the grounds of the Governor’s Residence on North Front Street by scaling a security fence, then forcibly breached the home’s structure.
Pennsylvania State Police Deputy Commissioner George Bivens reported that Balmer was in possession of a homemade incendiary device and managed to evade law enforcement personnel initially responding to the breach.
He was later taken into custody in the surrounding area.
During a press conference Sunday afternoon, Governor Shapiro described the harrowing moments when he, his wife, their four children, two dogs, and another family staying with them were awakened by state troopers in the early morning hours. The group had been gathered the previous evening to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover.
“I’m obviously emotional,” Shapiro said. “When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover and the story of the Jewish exodus from bondage. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night.”
Shapiro expressed gratitude to the law enforcement officers and first responders who ensured his family’s safety, stating, “This type of violence is not okay. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other. Directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not okay — and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident, though a portion of the residence—specifically a large room often used for entertaining and art displays—sustained significant fire damage.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded promptly and brought the situation under control while assisting with evacuation.
By Sunday afternoon, charred areas of the building were visible on its south side, and a heavy police presence remained at the scene. Yellow caution tape cordoned off nearby areas, and officers were seen working with K9 units outside the gated perimeter.
Governor Shapiro, who splits time between the Governor’s Residence and his home in Abington, approximately 100 miles east, had shared a photo on social media the night before the fire showing the family’s Passover Seder table.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from political leaders and public figures. Former Pennsylvania Governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker, both Republicans, condemned the attack, calling it a “despicable act of cowardice” and “shocking.” Ridge added, “Whoever is responsible for this attack — to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth — must be held to account.”
Governor Shapiro confirmed he has received offers of support and assistance from the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as messages of solidarity from fellow governors and national leaders.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday also issued a statement pledging his office’s full support in the investigation, calling it a “senseless act of violence.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.