Man Charged with Attempted Murder, Terrorism in Targeted Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor


This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services)

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	Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro pauses during a news conference at the governor's official residence discussing the alleged arson that forced him, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)
	Arson ttack on Pa. Governor’s Mansion: Suspect denied bail amid escalating political violence HARRISBURG, PA - Cody Balmer, 38, has been charged with arson and terrorism after allegedly setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion in a calculated attack. Armed with gasoline-filled beer bottles and a hammer, Balmer reportedly walked from his home in Harrisburg to the governor’s residence, scaled a fence, broke windows, and ignited fires inside the dining room and another first-floor space. Authorities believe Balmer intended to harm Shapiro and his family, who were asleep upstairs, and had expressed plans to assault the governor if he encountered him. The attack occurred hours after Shapiro and his family celebrated Passover with a seder at the mansion. Shapiro described the act as “targeted,” and experts have pointed to an escalation in political violence across the U.S., citing similar incidents, such as the kidnapping plot against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other attacks on elected officials. Balmer’s actions also raised concerns about how he managed to breach security at the heavily guarded governor’s residence. Booking photo of arson suspect, Cody Balmer. Dauphin County District Attorney Balmer’s criminal history includes forgery charges and a disturbing assault case from 2023 involving domestic violence against his family members. After the fire, Balmer confessed to an ex-girlfriend, who alerted authorities, and eventually turned himself in to state police. The attack caused significant damage to the mansion’s first floor, including spaces used for public events, and has led to renewed calls for condemning political violence.