Pennsylvania Resident Admits to Setting Fire at Governor’s Mansion During Shapiro Family’s Stay

HARRISBURG, Pa. – In a dramatic case, a man who scaled a security fence under the cover of darkness, evaded law enforcement, and used gasoline-filled beer bottles to torch the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, admitted guilt to attempted murder and other serious offenses on Tuesday.

Thirty-eight-year-old Cody Balmer confessed to a series of charges, including terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, and aggravated assault against Governor Josh Shapiro. He also faced 21 counts of reckless endangerment and loitering related to the April 13 incident, which resulted in millions of dollars in damage to the state-owned mansion.

As part of a plea agreement, Balmer received a prison sentence ranging from 25 to 50 years.

Fortunately, Governor Shapiro and his family, who were inside the residence at the time, were roused from sleep and safely evacuated without injury. The charges of arson and endangerment were based on the number of individuals present during the attack, including the governor’s family, guests, and state troopers.

The arson occurred just hours after a Passover Seder celebration at the residence. Prosecutors presented video evidence showing Molotov cocktails exploding and a suspect moving inside and outside the property. Judge Deborah Curcillo described the footage as “horrific” and “very frightening.”

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

Police say Balmer broke in through the southern wing of the residence, into a room often used to entertain crowds and display art. Investigators recovered two broken glass beer bottles containing gasoline. The fire charred walls, tables, buffet serving dishes, plates and a piano. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were also damaged.

Shapiro’s Jewish faith and the attack during the Passover weekend raised questions about Balmer’s motivation, but Balmer told The Associated Press in a May letter from jail that had not been a factor in his decision.

“He can be Jewish, Muslim, or a purple people eater for all I care and as long as he leaves me and mine alone,” Balmer wrote.

He said in a brief June 9 video interview from Camp Hill State Prison that he did think beforehand about whether children might be injured.

“Does anyone ever consider children?” Balmer said in June. “It doesn’t seem that way. I sure as hell did. I’m glad no one got hurt.” Asked why he felt Shapiro had somehow done him wrong, Balmer replied: “I’m not going to answer that.”

Balmer’s mother said days after his arrest that she had tried to get him assistance for mental health issues, but “nobody would help.” Court proceedings had been delayed while he received mental health treatment, his lawyer has said.

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

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