On October 14, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempted murder of Governor Josh Shapiro, stemming from an arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor's mansion. The incident occurred on April 13, 2025, when Balmer scaled the mansion's iron security fence, eluded law enforcement, and ignited the residential space using Molotov cocktails filled with gasoline. His actions resulted in millions of dollars in damages to the state-owned brick building, which was occupied at the time by the governor's family and state troopers.
Balmer's guilty plea included charges of terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault, 21 counts of reckless endangerment, and loitering. As part of a plea deal, he was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison. Balmer, who is 38 years old, chose not to deliver a statement during the sentencing and replied to the judge's inquiries with brief responses.
After the verdict, Governor Shapiro expressed his approval of the plea deal, underscoring its role in providing accountability for the attack. Shapiro and his family were forced to evacuate during the incident but were fortunate to emerge without physical injuries. The numerous arson charges reflect the presence of people in the residence at the time, including guests and security personnel.
Governor Shapiro addressed the broader issue of political violence, emphasizing that it should not be considered a normal aspect of public life for elected officials. He articulated concerns regarding the safety of political leaders and their families, mentioning that he had heard similar sentiments from leaders globally and from potential candidates who were hesitant to run due to safety fears. In a poignant moment, Shapiro recounted how such violence instills anxiety and fear in children, affecting family dynamics following the attack.
Security footage presented in court revealed the harrowing details of Balmer's intrusion into the governor's mansion. The video depicted Balmer breaking a window, launching a Molotov cocktail into a dining room, and subsequently using a sledgehammer to gain entry into the building. He was seen attempting to break into areas where Shapiro and his family were sleeping, but was ultimately unable to access them. He lit a second fire before leaving the scene without encountering law enforcement.
Judge Deborah Curcillo characterized the video evidence as "horrific" and "very frightening." In a victim statement read in court, Shapiro and his wife, Lori, described the psychological impact of the incident, recounting feelings of exposure and fear that have persisted in their lives. During the attack, Balmer expressed intentions to assault Shapiro with the small sledgehammer had he encountered him, as documented in court filings. He turned himself into the police the following day.
Questions surrounding Balmer's motive emerged after the attack, as it occurred shortly after a Passover celebration in the governor's residence. In correspondence, Balmer stated that the governor's faith was not a factor in his actions. However, he did express concerns regarding the conflict in Gaza, indicating that he believed his actions were a form of offset to that war. During a video interview, Balmer acknowledged having contemplated the possibility of harm to children, asserting that while he considered it, many others do not.
Balmer's mother indicated that she had previously sought help for her son’s mental health issues, but was unable to secure assistance. Delays in court proceedings occurred while Balmer underwent mental health treatment. A letter from his family presented in court highlighted his struggles with mental health, including episodes linked to ceasing medication, which contributed to his "dark and difficult path." At the time of the incident, he was described as an unemployed welder without income or savings.
The governor's mansion, constructed in 1968, lacked sprinkler systems, exacerbating the fire damage that resulted from Balmer's actions, which charred various parts of the residence. Efforts to repair and enhance the security features of the mansion are ongoing in the wake of this alarming event.
