PHILADELPHIA – A Pennsylvania man who set fire to the governor’s mansion while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were inside has pleaded guilty to attempted murder and multiple related charges.
What we know:
Prosecutors said Cody Balmer, 38, scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, broke into the state-owned residence in Harrisburg, and used beer bottles filled with gasoline to ignite several fires in the early morning hours of April 13, 2025.
The flames caused millions of dollars in damage, though no one was hurt. Governor Shapiro, his family, guests and state troopers inside the residence had to be awakened and evacuated as the fire spread through the southern wing of the building.
RELATED: Who is Cody Balmer? Everything we know about the man accused of arson at Governor Shapiro’s home
Under a plea deal, Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison, pleading guilty to charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, aggravated assault and 22 counts of arson.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 13: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference outside of the Governor’s Mansion after a portion of the property was damaged in an arson fire on April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Shapiro
Courtroom Details
Video evidence presented in court showed Molotov cocktails detonating inside and outside the residence. Judge Deborah Curcillo described the footage as “horrific” and “very frightening,” according to the Associated Press.
According to court documents, Balmer told police he planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he had encountered him.
He later turned himself in and told authorities the attack was not motivated by religion, despite occurring just hours after the governor’s family celebrated Passover inside the mansion.
In a May letter to the Associated Press from jail, Balmer wrote that Shapiro’s Jewish faith “had not been a factor.”
“He can be Jewish, Muslim, or a purple people eater for all I care,” Balmer wrote.
Balmer’s mother told reporters after his arrest that her son had long struggled with mental health issues and that she had tried unsuccessfully to get him help. His court proceedings were delayed while he received treatment.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 13: Extensive fire damage to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence is seen during a press conference on April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Authorities have one suspect, Cody Ba
Damage and Aftermath
Investigators say the fire damaged walls, tables, dishes, a piano and several windows. The residence, built in 1968, did not have sprinklers at the time of the attack.
Repairs and new security upgrades are still underway, according to state officials.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 13: Extensive fire damage to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence is seen during a press conference on April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Authorities have one suspect, Cody Ba
The Source: This story was written with information gathered from court documents and reporting by The Associated Press.
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