A chilling attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home has concluded with the arsonist pleading guilty to attempted murder.
Cody Balmer, 38, admitted to throwing a Molotov cocktail at the governor’s official residence in April, citing personal hatred toward Shapiro, who is Jewish.
Attack Occurred During Passover Celebration
The assault took place while Shapiro was inside the residence with family and friends, celebrating the first night of Passover.
Balmer later told investigators that had he encountered the governor during the attack, he intended to “beat him with his hammer.”
In addition to attempted murder, Balmer entered guilty pleas to terrorism, multiple counts of arson and aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and loitering.
The attack caused millions of dollars in damage to the state-owned brick property.
Prison Sentence and Court Proceedings
Under a plea agreement, Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison—significantly less than what he could have faced at trial.
He addressed the court briefly, answering questions with short responses, while his defense attorney emphasized that he is “taking full responsibility” and “paying a hefty price” at 38 years old.
Homemade Explosives and Devastating Damage
Balmer fashioned Molotov cocktails from spent beer bottles filled with gasoline.
He scaled the property’s iron security fence before throwing the devices at the residence.
Prosecutors played video footage showing the cocktails igniting both inside and outside the home, which Judge Deborah Curcillo described as “horrific” and “very frightening.”
Smoke filled the building as Balmer deployed a second device.
Fifteen guests—including children—and two state troopers were inside during the attack.
The fire destroyed walls, furniture, buffet dishes, and even a piano, while breaking window panes and damaging brick around doors.
Governor’s Family Shares Impact
Shapiro and his wife, Lori, submitted a victim statement read aloud in court.
They described the trauma of feeling exposed and unsafe in ways they never imagined, and how the event has added stress to their children’s lives.
Mental Health Concerns and Background
Balmer’s mother and former girlfriend reported that he had struggled with mental health issues and had stopped taking prescribed medication. Despite efforts to seek help from multiple agencies, she said no assistance was provided.
Relatives submitted a letter to the court describing his untreated mental illness as contributing to a “dark and difficult path.”
Balmer initially denied any mental health conditions, claiming unemployment and responsibilities as a father of two.
Court proceedings were delayed while he received mental health treatment prior to entering his guilty pleas.
Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities recovered two broken beer bottles filled with gasoline at the southern wing of the residence, an area used for entertaining guests and displaying art.
Balmer turned himself in the day after the attack, following tips from his former girlfriend.
The case underscores the dangers of politically motivated attacks and the importance of addressing mental health concerns, as Pennsylvania reflects on a frightening incident that could have had far more devastating consequences.