Tue Oct 14 14:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Man Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion**
**HARRISBURG, Pa.** – Cody Balmer, 38, was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to attempted murder, terrorism, and numerous arson-related charges stemming from an April 13 attack on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion. Balmer scaled a security fence, evaded police, and used Molotov cocktails fashioned from beer bottles to set fire to the occupied residence.
Governor Josh Shapiro and his family, who had celebrated Passover hours earlier, were awakened and safely evacuated, but the fire caused millions of dollars in damage. The charges reflect the presence of multiple people in the residence at the time, including the governor’s family, guests, and state troopers.
Prosecutors presented video evidence showing the Molotov cocktails exploding and a figure moving inside and outside the mansion. Judge Deborah Curcillo described the video as “horrific” and “very frightening.”
According to court documents, Balmer told police he intended to attack Governor Shapiro with a sledgehammer had he encountered him. He surrendered to authorities the day after the incident.
Investigators found that Balmer had entered through the southern wing, damaging walls, furniture, and artwork with the fire.
While the timing of the attack during Passover raised questions about potential antisemitic motivations, Balmer denied any connection to Governor Shapiro’s Jewish faith in a letter from jail.
Balmer’s mother had previously stated that she had attempted to seek mental health assistance for her son, but was unsuccessful. Court proceedings had been delayed while Balmer received treatment. At a previous court hearing, Balmer described himself as an unemployed welder with no income or savings, and a large number of children.
The governor’s residence, which lacked a sprinkler system, is currently undergoing repairs and security upgrades.
First Piper 