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Recent court filings reveal that the individual accused of igniting a substantial fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence expressed deep animosity towards Governor Josh Shapiro. Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old Harrisburg resident, reportedly took responsibility for the fire, stating he was “harboring hatred” towards the governor.
Balmer was taken into custody on a Sunday morning after allegedly breaching the property’s security and deliberately initiating the blaze around 2 a.m. on April 13. At that time, Governor Shapiro and his family were present in the residence, having just observed the first night of Passover.
Following his arrest, Balmer faced multiple serious charges in Dauphin County, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and several others. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, he is currently receiving medical care for unrelated health issues and will be arraigned at the Dauphin County Prison once discharged.
“Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and the messages of support that we’ve received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United States,” Gov. Shapiro remarked on Sunday. He expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this distressing time, highlighting the collective resilience demonstrated in face of adversity.
How Authorities Traced Balmer
Investigators identified Balmer through a tip from a woman who stated he was her former partner and claimed he confessed to her about the arson. She relayed to law enforcement that Balmer expressed a desire for her to report him.
Subsequently, Balmer voluntarily arrived at the Pennsylvania State Police Headquarters, where he confessed to the fire incident and indicated his intention to surrender.
Access to the Governor’s Residence
Prior to his apprehension, Balmer had climbed over a protective fence around the residence, managing to evade law enforcement while they conducted a search on the grounds. Security footage subsequently showed him breaking a window in the piano room and launching a homemade Molotov cocktail into the house. Following that, he reportedly broke another window, entered the residence, and ignited another incendiary device in the dining room.
After setting fire to the premises, Balmer exited through the dining room door, fleeing the scene as captured on surveillance cameras. According to officials, he spent less than a minute inside the residence.
Further investigation incorporated footage from nearby security cameras, which helped law enforcement trace Balmer’s movements and locate a discarded pair of gloves he wore during the arson.
Statements of Intent
During police interviews, Balmer openly expressed his contempt for Governor Shapiro. He detailed how he had removed gasoline from a lawn mower, mixed it in beer bottles, and trekked for an hour to the Governor’s Residence to execute his plan. He acknowledged the possibility that the Shapiros would be home at that time.
When asked about his reaction had he encountered the governor during the incident, Balmer reportedly stated he would have “beaten him with a hammer.” Following a search of Balmer’s residence, police discovered a sledgehammer consistent with that seen in surveillance footage as well as the clothing worn during the incident.
A Family’s Perspective
Christie Balmer, Cody’s mother, spoke out about her son’s mental health struggles, indicating he had discontinued his medication prior to the incident. She reported her attempts to seek help from multiple police departments just days before the attack, highlighting her frustration in obtaining assistance. “So he was mentally ill, went off his meds, and this is what happened,” she lamented.
Authorities are urging anyone with further information on this case to reach out to the Pennsylvania State Police at 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).
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