A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison after admitting to setting fire to the Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were inside.
Cody Balmer Sentenced for Governor’s Mansion Arson
Cody Balmer, 38, pleaded guilty to a long list of charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, aggravated assault, and 22 counts of arson. Prosecutors say Balmer’s actions placed the governor, his family, and state police troopers in grave danger during a violent and deliberate attack that could have turned deadly.
According to investigators, Balmer scaled the fence surrounding the Governor’s Mansion in the early morning hours of April 13, 2025, carrying Molotov cocktails made from gasoline-filled bottles. He allegedly used a sledgehammer to smash through a window before throwing the incendiary devices inside, igniting multiple areas of the residence.
Surveillance footage shown in court captured intense flames spreading throughout parts of the mansion as state police rushed to evacuate the Shapiro family. No one was injured, but the blaze caused millions of dollars in damage to the historic residence.
Governor and Family Inside During Attack
Governor Shapiro, his wife, and their children were asleep when the fire broke out. According to officials, the family had hosted a Passover Seder earlier that evening before turning in for the night. They were awakened by troopers and quickly ushered to safety as flames spread.
Judge Deborah Curcillo, who presided over the case, described the attack as a “horrific and calculated act of violence,” calling it a miracle that no lives were lost.
Terrorism and Attempted Murder Charges
Balmer’s guilty plea included terrorism charges, recognizing the attack as an attempt to influence or retaliate against a public official. Court records indicate that he had planned to confront the governor directly with the sledgehammer if he encountered him inside the mansion.
Balmer turned himself in the following day and confessed to law enforcement, admitting that he intended to cause harm.
Sentence and Future Supervision
Under the sentence handed down Monday, Balmer must serve a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole. If released, he will remain under state supervision until at least 2075.
Security has since been significantly upgraded at the Governor’s Mansion, and extensive restoration work is ongoing to repair the fire and smoke damage throughout the property.
Governor’s Office Response
In a brief statement, Governor Shapiro’s office expressed gratitude to law enforcement, first responders, and the court system for their handling of the case, adding:
“Our family is deeply thankful for the brave actions of the state troopers and emergency personnel who protected us that night. We continue to pray for healing and justice.
