On April 13, 2025, a shocking act of arson targeted the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, forcing Governor Josh Shapiro and his family to evacuate in the middle of the night.
Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old Harrisburg resident, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and other felonies after allegedly setting the blaze with homemade Molotov cocktails.
The fire, which caused significant damage to the Georgian-style mansion, occurred just hours after Shapiro hosted a Passover Seder, raising questions about motive, security, and the growing threat of political violence. This blog examines the incident’s details, Balmer’s background and actions, and the broader implications for public safety and political discourse.
A Targeted Attack in the Dead of Night
The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, when Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) responded to reports of a fire at the Governor’s Residence on North Front Street. According to court documents, Balmer scaled a perimeter fence, broke two windows with a hammer, and threw Molotov cocktails—crafted from lawnmower gasoline and Heineken bottles—into the piano and dining rooms.
Security footage captured him wearing a distinctive Snap-On jacket, moving methodically, and exiting within a minute. The blaze spread rapidly, fueled by the incendiary devices, causing extensive damage to the mansion’s south side, with charred walls, destroyed furniture, and remnants of Passover decorations visible in photos released by the state.
Governor Shapiro, his wife Lori, their four children, two dogs, and visiting relatives were asleep when state troopers banged on their door to alert them. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported, but the residence sustained “significant” damage, particularly to rooms used for entertaining.
Shapiro described the attack as “targeted,” noting the family’s safe evacuation but expressing emotional concern for his children’s well-being. Balmer evaded troopers searching the property during the breach, highlighting a security lapse now under review. His ex-partner contacted police after he confessed to her, and Balmer turned himself in at PSP headquarters later that day, admitting his actions and expressing “hatred” for Shapiro, though specific reasons remain unclear.
Cody Balmer: A Troubled Past and Unclear Motives
Cody Balmer, a former mechanic from Harrisburg, presents a complex figure in this disturbing case. Court records reveal a criminal history, including guilty pleas for forgery and theft by deception in 2015 and 2016, and a pending 2023 simple assault charge set for a plea hearing days after his arrest.
Sources indicate Balmer harbored anti-Democrat sentiments, with social media posts criticizing the party over financial issues, possibly tied to a property seizure or foreclosure.
His mother, Christie Balmer, told CBS News that her son was “mentally ill” and had stopped taking medication, claiming she sought help from four police departments the prior week without success. She described the incident as a tragic outcome of his untreated condition.
Balmer’s affidavit paints a chilling picture: he admitted to knowing Shapiro and others were likely home and that his actions could cause harm. When asked what he would have done if confronted by the governor, he allegedly said he would have “beaten him with his hammer,” suggesting a personal vendetta.
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Investigators recovered a gasoline container and his Snap-On jacket at his home, matching items seen on surveillance. Currently hospitalized for an unrelated “medical event,” Balmer awaits arraignment at Dauphin County Prison. The FBI is assisting, and federal charges may follow, given the attack’s severity.
While some speculate political or antisemitic motives—due to Shapiro’s Jewish faith and the Passover timing—no evidence confirms this, and authorities continue probing his intentions.
Political Violence and a Call for Change
The arson attack on Shapiro’s home comes amid a troubling rise in threats against elected officials, from the 2023 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to recent assassination attempts on President Donald Trump.
Shapiro, a Democrat seen as a 2028 presidential contender, condemned the violence, stating, “This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society, and it has to stop.” He vowed to continue his work and celebrate his faith openly, refusing to be deterred.
The incident has drawn bipartisan support, with Vice President JD Vance calling it “disgusting violence” and Senator John Fetterman labeling it “appalling.” A $10,000 reward offered before Balmer’s arrest underscores the urgency of addressing such acts.
The breach has sparked a security review, with PSP Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens admitting Balmer’s ability to evade troopers raises concerns. Questions linger about how he accessed the residence, a 29,000-square-foot mansion housing governors since 1968, despite a state police presence.
The fire’s timing, post-Passover Seder, adds emotional weight, with Shapiro noting remnants of the celebration—gold tablecloths and a “Passover Crafts” sign—amid the wreckage. Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline called the scene “surreal,” noting the fire’s rapid spread.
Beyond security, the case highlights mental health gaps, as Balmer’s mother’s pleas for intervention went unheeded, and broader issues of political polarization fueling targeted attacks.
This tragedy resonates in a polarized nation. Social media posts on X reflect mixed sentiments—some express relief at the family’s safety, others speculate about motives, from financial grievances to ideological hate, though no consensus emerges.
The investigation, involving PSP, the FBI, and Dauphin County DA Fran Chardo, seeks to clarify why Balmer acted, whether alone, and how to prevent repeats.
For now, Shapiro’s resilience and the community’s support shine through, but the scars on the Governor’s Residence mirror deeper wounds in a society wrestling with violence and division. As Harrisburg rebuilds, the call grows louder for unity, accountability, and safeguards to protect public servants and their families.