A Pennsylvania man, Cody Balmer, 38, has been charged with setting fire to Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg early Sunday morning. According to the New York Post, Balmer, who was reportedly out on bail for a previous assault case, faces eight charges including terrorism, aggravated arson, attempted homicide, and nighttime prowling.
Authorities say Balmer scaled a fence, broke into the mansion, and used a homemade Molotov cocktail to ignite the fire. Governor Shapiro, his wife, their four children, and two dogs were inside but escaped unharmed after being evacuated by state troopers. The fire caused significant damage to the home, particularly in a dining area, but no injuries were reported.
Court documents reveal Balmer told police he was “harboring hatred” toward Shapiro and would have attacked him with a hammer if given the chance. Balmer’s mother claims she had previously tried to get authorities to detain him, citing concerns about his behavior. In court, Balmer reportedly appeared disheveled and made odd faces as he was denied bail and ordered held in custody.
According to The Post, “the former mechanic, who said he is now jobless, penniless and lives with his parents, was free after making bail for a 2023 simple assault charge, courts spokesperson Stacey Witalec told The Post. In that case, he was accused of stomping on his 10-year-old son’s broken leg and battering his wife, according to a police report.”
Balmer reportedly admitted that he takes medication noting that it led him to “different types of behaviors.” His mother reportedly told CBS News that her son is “mentally ill” and had gone “off his medication” in the days before the attack. Balmer’s mother did not reveal what mental illness he allegedly suffers from.
“Balmer turned himself into police Sunday afternoon and allegedly confessed to the attack, according to a Harrisburg police report,” The Post reports.
Balmer, who has a history of criminal charges including domestic violence, theft, and forgery, surrendered to police after the incident. The motive for the attack remains under investigation, but officials have described it as a targeted act.
