Man Charged in Fiery Arson Attack at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence
Harrisburg, PA — A violent arson attack at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home has led to multiple criminal charges after a suspect allegedly scaled the residence’s perimeter, smashed windows with a hammer, and hurled Molotov cocktails inside. According to prosecutors, 38-year-old Cody A. Balmer of Harrisburg is now facing charges including attempted criminal homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, and terrorism following the early Sunday morning incident.
A Pre-Dawn Assault
At around 2 a.m. on Sunday, as Gov. Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and several guests and staff were inside the Harrisburg residence, fire suddenly erupted within the home. Surveillance footage captured Balmer climbing the exterior fence and advancing toward the south-side windows—specifically targeting the piano room. The recordings show him using a hammer to break through an exterior window before throwing a Molotov cocktail through the shattered glass. Shortly thereafter, flames could be seen flickering inside the residence, setting off a chain reaction that led to additional fire damage.
Officials later revealed that Balmer broke an adjacent window and entered the home, where he deployed a second incendiary device in the dining room. His actions were captured both on security cameras around the property and on privately owned footage. In one dramatic moment, Balmer was seen wearing two different colored gloves—orange and yellow—while kicking open a dining room door to exit the residence. He then fled by scaling the perimeter fence once more, running through a parking lot, and disappearing southeast along Peffer Street.
Evidence and Arrest
Investigators recovered several pieces of damning evidence from the scene. Two broken beer bottles containing gasoline were found in the dining room, and gloves found later by police in a trash can on Peffer Street bore a strong odor of gasoline. These items, coupled with footage of Balmer’s actions, provided key evidence for the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office.
Balmer turned himself in to the Pennsylvania State Police after a woman, identified as his ex-paramour, alerted authorities that he had confessed responsibility for the attack and urged her to call the police. In subsequent interviews, Balmer admitted to “harboring hatred” toward Gov. Shapiro. When questioned about what he would have done if confronted inside the residence, he grimly disclosed that he intended to use his hammer to beat the governor. He also admitted to preparing the Molotov cocktails by removing gasoline from a lawn mower and pouring it into beer bottles at his home before walking approximately one hour to the Shapiro residence.
While Balmer is now in custody at Dauphin County Prison awaiting a preliminary hearing, state police also reported that he was transported to a hospital for treatment following a medical event unrelated to the incident.
Governor’s Reaction and Broader Implications
In a press conference shortly after the attack, Gov. Shapiro condemned the senseless violence without partisan excuses. “This kind of violence is not OK … I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other,” he stated, emphasizing that such acts have no place in civil society and must cease immediately. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, and all residents and guests were evacuated safely despite the significant damage sustained by the home.
A History of Turbulence
Further adding to the story, records show that Balmer has a prior history of run-ins with the law. Previously, he pleaded guilty to charges of forgery and theft in 2015 and 2016, and he still faces an assault case from 2023. His social media history indicates that he has harbored strong anti-government sentiments for years, sharing memes and posts criticizing various political figures and policies.
Investigators say that the charged individual’s actions reflect a dangerous escalation of domestic unrest, as his stated motive—to act on his personal hatred toward Gov. Shapiro—aligns with a broader trend of politically charged violence. Prosecutors are expected to bring forward additional evidence during upcoming hearings as they seek to hold him accountable for what many are calling an attack on not just a public figure, but on democratic institutions.
As the investigation continues, community leaders and law enforcement officials are calling for unity and vigilance. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile intersection of political dissent and violent behavior—a phenomenon that authorities are determined to address.
