Harrisburg, PA – A Pennsylvania man who broke into the governor’s mansion under the cover of night and set multiple fires with gasoline-filled beer bottles has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder, terrorism, and arson, according to The Associated Press.
Cody Balmer, 38, admitted to scaling the iron security fence surrounding Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg on April 13, entering the southern wing of the building, and igniting several fires while the governor, his family, and guests were inside. The attack caused millions of dollars in damage to the historic state-owned property.
A Chilling Attack During Passover
The assault took place just hours after the Shapiro family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover with a Seder. Governor Shapiro, his wife, their children, guests, and state troopers were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night, though no one was injured.
Prosecutors presented video evidence showing Balmer lighting Molotov-style firebombs and moving through the mansion before flames engulfed several rooms. Judge Deborah Curcillo described the footage as “horrific” and “very frightening.”
Balmer’s charges included attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, aggravated assault of a public official, burglary, and 22 counts of arson, as well as multiple counts of reckless endangerment and loitering. Each endangerment charge corresponded to one of the occupants inside the residence that night.
Intent to Harm the Governor
According to court documents, Balmer told police he had planned to attack Governor Shapiro with a sledgehammerif he had encountered him inside. Investigators later found two shattered beer bottles filled with gasoline among the debris, along with charred furniture, art, serving tables, and a piano.
In a letter sent from jail to the Associated Press in May, Balmer denied that Shapiro’s Jewish faith played any role in the attack. “He can be Jewish, Muslim, or a purple people eater for all I care, as long as he leaves me and mine alone,” he wrote.
When interviewed in June, Balmer said he had thought about the potential for children to be harmed, adding, “I’m glad no one got hurt.” However, he refused to elaborate on his personal grievances with the governor, saying only, “I’m not going to answer that.”
Mental Health Concerns and Ongoing Repairs
Balmer’s mother later revealed that she had repeatedly sought mental health treatment for her son prior to the incident but received no help. Court proceedings were delayed for months while he underwent psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
At an early court appearance, Balmer told the judge he was an unemployed welder with no savings and “a lot of children.”
The Governor’s Residence, built in 1968 and notably lacking a sprinkler system, sustained extensive structural and interior damage. State officials said repairs and enhanced security upgrades are still underway.
By the Midtown Times, Adapted from an article by The Associated Press (October 15, 2025).
