Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 25-50 Years for Arson Attack on Governor's Mansion

Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old Pennsylvania man, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to a violent arson attack at the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence in Harrisburg. The incident, which occurred on April 13, 2025, saw Balmer ignite fires at the official home of Governor Josh Shapiro while the governor, his family, and guests were asleep inside.

spotlightpa.org reported, Under a plea deal, Balmer received a sentence of 25 to 50 years in state prison, a term significantly less than he might have faced if the case had proceeded to trial. He declined to address the judge regarding his actions during the court proceedings.

The attack involved Balmer scaling a security fence, eluding police, and using Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles filled with gasoline to set fires. Surveillance video presented in court depicted Balmer breaking windows with a sledgehammer and throwing incendiary devices into the residence.

timesofisrael.com noted, Governor Josh Shapiro, his wife Lori, their children, and 15 overnight guests, including state troopers, were awakened and evacuated from the mansion. Fortunately, no one sustained physical injuries, though the family reported lasting emotional distress and a profound sense of vulnerability.

Balmer faced a multitude of charges, including attempted murder of Governor Shapiro, terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault, 21 counts of reckless endangerment, and loitering. The extensive charges reflect the number of individuals present in the residence during the attack.

washingtonpost.com reported, The incident caused millions of dollars in damage to the state-owned brick building, which was constructed in 1968 and notably lacked a sprinkler system. Repairs and security upgrades are ongoing at the residence.

Balmer turned himself in the afternoon following the early morning attack, confessing to authorities. His actions have been linked to concerns about the war in Gaza, though he denied that Governor Shapiro's Jewish faith was a motivating factor.

• spotlightpa.org noted, The Arson Attack Details: On April 13, 2025, around 2 a.m., Cody Balmer initiated his attack by secretly climbing a high security fence at the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence. He then used a sledgehammer to break a window and threw a flaming Molotov cocktail inside, starting a fire. He subsequently broke another window to enter the residence, where he deployed a second incendiary device and attempted to force his way through doors leading to the Shapiros' private quarters.

• Motive and Mental Health: While Balmer claimed Governor Shapiro's Jewish faith was not a factor, he told police he believed Shapiro was encouraging the war in Gaza and that he wanted to stop "having my friends killed." His mother reported that Balmer struggled with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, and had gone off his medication, which she believed contributed to his erratic behavior.

• timesofisrael.com reported, Impact on the Shapiro Family: Governor Shapiro and his wife, Lori, provided a victim statement describing how the attack left them feeling exposed and created a "fear and anxiety we are learning to live with." Shapiro noted the difficulty of explaining the event to their four children and the haunting nature of the surveillance footage.

• Legal Proceedings and Sentencing: The plea deal, accepted by Judge Deborah Curcillo, resulted in a sentence of 25 to 50 years in a state correctional institution, with parole eligibility beginning on April 13, 2050. Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo consulted with the victims before offering the plea agreement, which Governor Shapiro publicly supported as providing "real accountability."

• washingtonpost.com noted, Damage and Security Concerns: The fire caused significant damage to the southern wing of the residence, charring walls, furniture, and a piano, and damaging window panes and brickwork. The residence, built in 1968, did not have sprinklers. Following the attack, the building is undergoing repairs and security enhancements, including the installation of an anti-climb fence.

• Broader Implications of Political Violence: Governor Shapiro used the opportunity to speak out against political violence, stating that it should not be accepted as a normal part of public life. He reported that other leaders globally have expressed similar vulnerabilities, and potential political candidates are deterred from running due to safety concerns for their families.

• spotlightpa.org reported, Timeline of Events: The arson attack occurred in the early hours of April 13, 2025, during the first night of Passover. Balmer turned himself in the following afternoon. Court proceedings were delayed for mental health treatment. His guilty plea and sentencing took place on October 14, 2025, approximately six months after the incident.