Cody Balmer is pictured with his children and partner.
| Published April 14, 2025
In the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2025, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were abruptly awakened by state police alerting them to a fire at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. The blaze, which broke out around 2:00 a.m., was later confirmed as an act of arson. Authorities have arrested 38-year-old Cody Allen Balmer of Penbrook, Pennsylvania, in connection with the attack. Balmer faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
The Incident Unfolds
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Balmer allegedly scaled the fence surrounding the Governor’s Residence and entered the property with homemade incendiary devices. He set multiple fires before fleeing the scene. The fire caused significant damage, particularly to the south side of the mansion, which is used for events and art displays. Fortunately, Governor Shapiro, his family, and their guests were in a different part of the residence and evacuated safely without injuries.
Balmer, a former mechanic, resides near the governor’s mansion. While the exact motive remains under investigation, some reports suggest that Balmer may have been angry over the government’s seizure and sale of his property. Additionally, the timing of the attack during Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, has led to speculation about potential antisemitic intent, though authorities have not confirmed this.
Suspect’s Background and Motive
Balmer, a former mechanic, resides near the governor’s mansion. While the exact motive remains under investigation, some reports suggest that Balmer may have been angry over the government’s seizure and sale of his property. Additionally, the timing of the attack during Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, has led to speculation about potential antisemitic intent, though authorities have not confirmed this.
Times Now reported: During a news conference, police confirmed that Balmer scaled fences, evaded state troopers, and ignited the fire.
He was arrested in the Harrisburg area shortly after Governor Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated. Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo stated that forthcoming charges will include attempted murder, terrorism, attempted arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. Authorities have not yet released Balmer’s photo.
Balmer may have been angry that the government seized and sold his property.
The damage to the governor’s residence is extensive.
We are not publishing photos of the arsonist until we can confirm.
A Cody Balmer from Harrisburg’s Facebook page is still live.
Political and Public Response
Governor Shapiro, a Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, expressed gratitude for the swift response of emergency services and the outpouring of public support. He condemned the attack as part of a disturbing trend of political violence and affirmed his commitment to serving the state and practicing his faith undeterred.
Political leaders across the spectrum have denounced the attack, emphasizing that violence against elected officials and their families is unacceptable. The FBI is assisting in the ongoing investigation, and a $10,000 reward has been announced for tips related to the case.
Security Measures and Historical Context
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, located at 2035 North Front Street, has housed eight state governors since its construction in 1968. In light of the recent attack, additional reviews of the mansion’s security measures are underway to prevent future incidents.
This incident underscores the growing concerns about the safety of public officials and the need for heightened security measures. As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to uncover the full extent of the motives behind this alarming act.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – First Look at Alleged Arsonist Cody Balmer Who Torched Josh Shapiro’s Home While He Slept During Passover
FOX NEWS – Pennsylvania police arrest suspect after governor’s mansion set on fire while Gov Josh Shapiro, family slept
CNN – Suspect arrested after arson at Pennsylvania governor’s house forced Shapiro and family to evacuate
BBC NEWS – Man arrested after suspected arson attack at Pennsylvania governor’s home
AP NEWS – Suspect arrested in arson fire that forced Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, family to flee residence
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