Cody Balmer admitted to authorities that he intended to assault Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro with a sledgehammer at the governor’s official residence.
Published On 14 Oct 2025
A man from the United States was apprehended after scaling a metal security fence late at night, evading law enforcement, and using petrol-filled beer bottles to set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. He has now pleaded guilty to attempted murder alongside several other serious offenses.
On Tuesday, 38-year-old Cody Balmer entered guilty pleas to charges including “terrorism,” 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault targeting Governor Josh Shapiro, 21 counts of reckless endangerment, and loitering.
Balmer is accused of orchestrating the April 13 fire that inflicted millions of dollars in damage to the state-owned brick mansion. As part of a plea agreement, he received a prison sentence ranging from 25 to 50 years.
Governor Shapiro and his family were roused from sleep and evacuated safely, with no injuries reported. The numerous arson and endangerment charges correspond to the many individuals present in the residence at the time, including the governor’s family, guests, and security personnel.
The attack occurred just hours after the governor’s household had observed the Jewish festival of Passover with a traditional Seder dinner. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage depicting Molotov cocktails exploding and a figure moving both inside and outside the mansion during the incident.
Judge Deborah Curcillo described the footage as “terrifying” and “disturbing.”
According to court records, Balmer confessed that if he had encountered Governor Shapiro after breaking into the mansion, he intended to strike him with a small sledgehammer. The following afternoon, Balmer surrendered to authorities to face charges including attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
Investigators reported that Balmer gained entry through the southern wing of the residence, entering a room commonly used for hosting guests and displaying artwork. Two shattered beer bottles filled with petrol were recovered at the scene. The fire caused extensive damage to walls, furniture, serving dishes, plates, and a piano. Additionally, windows and brickwork surrounding doors and windows were damaged.
Given that the attack took place during Passover and considering Governor Shapiro’s Jewish faith, questions arose about whether religious bias motivated the crime. However, Balmer stated in a May letter from jail to The Associated Press that religion was not a factor in his actions.
“He could be Jewish, Muslim, or even a mythical creature for all I care, as long as he leaves me and my family alone,” Balmer wrote.
In a brief video interview from Camp Hill State Prison on June 9, Balmer acknowledged that he had contemplated the possibility of children being harmed during the attack.
“Does anyone ever think about the kids?” Balmer asked. “It doesn’t seem like it. I certainly did. I’m relieved no one was hurt.”
When questioned about his grievances against Governor Shapiro, Balmer declined to provide an explanation.
Following his arrest, Balmer’s mother revealed that she had sought mental health support for him, but was unsuccessful. His attorney noted that court proceedings were postponed to allow him to receive psychiatric treatment.
At a hearing shortly after the fire, Balmer described himself as an unemployed welder with no income or savings and “a lot of children” to care for.
The governor’s residence, constructed in 1968, lacked a sprinkler system. Restoration and security enhancements are currently underway to repair the damage and prevent future incidents.
