Pennsylvania Man Admits Guilt in Shocking Arson Attack on Governor’s Mansion

HARRISBURG, Pa. – In a dramatic nighttime incident, a man scaled the iron security fence surrounding the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, evaded law enforcement, and used gasoline-soaked beer bottles to set fire to the occupied residence. On Tuesday, Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to attempted murder charges related to the attack on Governor Josh Shapiro.

Balmer also admitted guilt to a series of serious offenses including terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault, 21 counts of reckless endangerment, and loitering. The April 13 incident inflicted extensive damage, costing millions in repairs to the state-owned brick mansion.

As part of a plea agreement, Balmer received a prison sentence ranging from 25 to 50 years, a significantly reduced term compared to what a trial conviction might have entailed. Throughout the proceedings, he remained mostly silent, responding to the judge’s inquiries with brief, minimal answers.

Balmer’s defense lawyer, Bryan Walk, emphasized that his client is accepting full responsibility and facing severe consequences at the age of 38.

Governor Shapiro expressed support for the plea deal, highlighting that it ensures genuine accountability for the violent act.

Although the family and guests inside the mansion were awakened and evacuated safely, no injuries were reported. The numerous arson and reckless endangerment charges correspond to the many individuals present at the time, including state troopers assigned to the residence.

Shapiro voiced concern over the rising tide of political violence, sharing that leaders worldwide have confided in him about their own vulnerabilities. He also noted that some potential candidates are deterred from running for office due to fears for their families’ safety. The governor, a Democrat, has condemned the surge in hostility following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and criticized the inflammatory rhetoric from Republican President Donald Trump, who narrowly escaped injury from a bullet last year while campaigning in Pennsylvania.

He stressed that violence against public officials must never become an accepted norm.

Shapiro also acknowledged the ongoing challenge of reassuring his children after the traumatic event.

“Our kids ask why someone would want to harm us and how the intruder managed to penetrate what should be the safest place for our family,” Shapiro said during a press briefing following the plea hearing.

Courtroom footage revealed Balmer breaking a window and hurling a Molotov cocktail into a dining room frequently used for hosting events. He then smashed another window with a small sledgehammer to gain entry. The video shows him advancing close enough to kick at the doors behind which the governor and his family were sleeping, though he was unable to breach them.

After setting a second fire, Balmer exited the building and crossed the yard without encountering the state police stationed on the property.

Judge Deborah Curcillo described the security footage as “terrifying” and “disturbing.”

In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, Governor Shapiro and his wife Lori conveyed the profound sense of vulnerability and ongoing anxiety the attack has inflicted upon their lives.

According to court documents, Balmer admitted to law enforcement that he intended to assault the governor with the sledgehammer if he had encountered him inside the residence. He surrendered to authorities the following afternoon.

The timing of the attack, shortly after the family had observed the Jewish holiday of Passover with a Seder dinner, prompted questions about Balmer’s motives. However, in a letter sent from jail to The Associated Press in May, Balmer dismissed the governor’s religion as a factor, stating, “He can be Jewish, Muslim, or a purple people eater for all I care as long as he leaves me and mine alone.”

Investigators learned that Balmer was troubled by the potential casualties of the conflict in Gaza and appeared willing to commit violence as a form of retaliation, according to statements from prosecutors.

In a brief video interview from Camp Hill State Prison on June 9, Balmer acknowledged he had considered the possibility of children being harmed during the attack. “Does anyone ever think about the kids? I sure did. I’m thankful no one was hurt,” he said. When asked why he believed Governor Shapiro had wronged him, Balmer declined to answer.

Balmer’s mother revealed after his arrest that she had sought mental health support for him but was unsuccessful. His attorney confirmed that court proceedings were postponed to allow Balmer to receive psychiatric treatment.

A letter from family members, read in court, indicated that Balmer had stopped taking prescribed medication, which led to manic episodes and a “dark and difficult path.”

Previously, Balmer described himself as an unemployed welder with no income or savings and “a lot of children” to support.

The governor’s residence, constructed in 1968, lacked a sprinkler system. The fire damaged walls, furniture, serving dishes, plates, and a piano, as well as windows and brickwork surrounding doors and windows.

Restoration efforts and security enhancements are currently underway to repair the damage and prevent future breaches.