Pennsylvania man pleads guilty in arson attack at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion while his family slept

A man who scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, evaded police and used beer bottles filled with gasoline to ignite the occupied Pennsylvania governor’s mansion pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted murder and other charges.

Cody Palmer, 38, also filed charges of terrorism, 22 counts of arson, arson, burglary, aggravated assault on Gov. Josh Shapiro, and 21 counts of reckless endangerment and loitering in the April 13 attack that caused millions of dollars in damage to the state-owned brick building.

Under the plea deal, Palmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

Shapiro and his family had to be awakened and evacuated, but no one was injured. The multiple exposure charges reflect the number of people in the residence at the time, including the governor’s family, guests and state troopers.

The fire was lit hours after they celebrated Passover with Passover at home. The prosecution showed video clips that showed Molotov cocktails exploding and a person inside and outside the house. Judge Deborah Cursillo described the video as “horrifying” and “extremely frightening.”

Palmer told police he planned to hit Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he confronted him after breaking into the building, according to court documents. Palmer turned himself in the next afternoon to face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, arson and aggravated assault.

Police say Palmer forced his way into the south wing of the residence into a room often used to entertain crowds and display artwork. Investigators found two broken beer bottles containing gasoline. The fire destroyed the walls, tables, buffet, plates, and piano. Window panels and bricks around doors and windows were also damaged.

Shapiro’s Jewish faith and the attack that occurred over the Passover holiday raised questions about Palmer’s motives, but Palmer told The Associated Press in a letter he sent in May from prison that was not a factor in his decision.

“He could be a Jew, a Muslim, or a purple people-eater for all I care as long as he leaves me alone,” Palmer wrote.

PHOTOS: Fire damage to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence

He said in a brief video interview conducted June 9 from Camp Hill State Prison that he thought ahead to whether the children might be exposed.

“Does anyone ever consider children?” Palmer said in June. “It doesn’t seem that way. I’m sure of it. I’m just glad no one got hurt.” When asked why he felt Shapiro wronged him, Palmer replied, “I’m not going to answer that.”

Palmer’s mother said days after his arrest that she tried to get him help for his mental health issues, but “no one helped him.” His lawyer said court proceedings were delayed while he received mental health treatment.

At a court hearing a few days after the fire, Palmer told the judge he was an unemployed welder with no income or savings and “a lot of kids.”

The residence, built in 1968, did not have sprinklers. Work continues to repair the damage and enhance its security features.