Cody Balmer, the man accused of intentionally setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion, faced arraignment on Monday evening in Harrisburg. During the proceedings, Balmer reportedly displayed a gesture towards reporters attempting to question him.
Balmer, identified as a former welder currently unemployed and without personal savings or income, stated he had no history of substance abuse. He did acknowledge past treatment for mental health concerns, claiming the medication previously prescribed influenced his behavior.
Prior to the arraignment, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) indicated that Balmer was presently receiving medical care at a hospital—a condition unrelated to the arson or his subsequent arrest.
The charges against Balmer are extensive, encompassing attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, and terrorism. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, while Governor Shapiro and his family were asleep inside the mansion, observing the first evening of Passover.
According to PSP Lt. Col. George Bivens, Balmer bypassed security measures by scaling fences and utilized “homemade incendiary devices” in the attack.
Bivens further detailed Balmer’s actions:
“He actively evaded troopers who were here to secure the residence. While [police] were searching is when he attacked at the residence, [and] broke in and set the fires…it was a very quick event that occurred.”
Police reports also reveal Balmer admitted to harboring animosity toward Governor Shapiro.
Governor Shapiro condemned the attack on Sunday, expressing his relief and gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement. In a statement, he emphasized:
“This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another. It is not okay and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
The incident prompted renewed concerns about escalating violence in public discourse.
