Cody Balmer, 38, has been charged with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, and other offenses after allegedly setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor's mansion in Harrisburg. The incident occurred early Sunday (April 13) while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside. They were safely evacuated by state police, but the fire caused significant damage to the residence.
According to court documents, Balmer admitted to harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro and confessed to starting the fire. He reportedly filled beer bottles with gasoline, walked to the mansion, and used the bottles as Molotov cocktails to ignite the fire. Surveillance footage captured Balmer scaling the fence, breaking windows, and throwing the incendiary devices into the house.
Balmer turned himself in to authorities shortly after the incident. His ex-girlfriend had alerted the police, stating that Balmer confessed the crime to her and asked her to report him. During police interviews, Balmer expressed that he would have harmed the governor if confronted.
The attack occurred hours after the Shapiro family hosted a Passover dinner. Governor Shapiro, who has been a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, expressed concern for his family's safety but refrained from labeling the incident as a hate crime, leaving that determination to investigators. The FBI is involved in the investigation, providing resources to state authorities.
Balmer is awaiting arraignment at Dauphin County Prison. His past includes a criminal record with charges of forgery and attempted theft by deception, for which he served probation. His home was recently foreclosed, and he has expressed political discontent in social media posts.