Arsonist Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder in Attack on Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion

On April 13, 2025, a 38-year-old man named Cody Balmer carried out a violent attack on the Pennsylvania governor's mansion. Balmer scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, evaded police, and used beer bottles filled with gasoline to ignite the occupied residence.

Balmer pleaded guilty to a slew of charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, arson, burglary, and assault of Governor Josh Shapiro. Under a plea deal, he was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

The attack occurred just hours after the Shapiro family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover with a Seder in the residence. Security footage showed Balmer throwing Molotov cocktails and moving around inside and outside the building. Prosecutors described the video as "horrific" and "very frightening."

Balmer had planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he encountered the governor during the break-in. Fortunately, Shapiro and his family were able to be awakened and evacuated safely, and no one was injured. The multiple arson and endangerment charges reflected the number of people, including the governor's family, guests, and state troopers, who were present in the residence at the time.

The historic governor's mansion sustained millions of dollars in damage, with charred walls, tables, and a damaged piano. Work to repair the damage and bolster the building's security features is still ongoing.