Cody Balmer is a cautionary tale for NY’s soft-on-crime pols
The recent attempted attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro by arsonist Cody Balmer sheds light on the failures of the state’s criminal justice and mental health systems. Balmer, who threw Molotov cocktails into the Shapiros’ home while they slept, had a history of violence and mental illness that should have been addressed much earlier.
Prior to the attack, Balmer was out on bail for assaulting his son and estranged wife. His mother had reached out to Crisis Intervention and multiple police departments, desperately trying to get him committed to a mental institution. Despite her warnings, Balmer was not evaluated or given the help he needed.
This case highlights the high threshold for involuntary mental health evaluations and the leniency of bail laws in Pennsylvania. Similar issues exist in New York, where dangerous individuals are often released back onto the streets due to loopholes in the system.
Legislators in both states need to address these issues and make necessary changes to protect the public from individuals like Balmer. Victims should not have to fear for their safety, and families should have recourse when dealing with loved ones who are a danger to themselves and others.
New York must take action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Elected officials need to prioritize public safety and ensure that individuals with mental health issues receive the care they need, even if it means involuntary commitment in some cases.
The events in Pennsylvania serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to address mental health and criminal justice issues. It is crucial for both states to take proactive measures to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
