The man accused of intentionally setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence was free on bail for a previous charge when the alleged arson occurred.
Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, had been released after posting bail related to a simple assault charge from 2023, court documents confirm. Sources indicate this earlier case stemmed from a domestic dispute. Balmer appeared before Judge Dale Klein on Monday facing new charges and was seen gesturing towards reporters by sticking his tongue out. During the arraignment, he identified himself as a former welder currently unemployed with no savings or income.
Balmer asserted that he had never struggled with substance abuse but acknowledged past use of medication for mental health concerns, stating those medications influenced his behavior.
The judge subsequently denied Balmer’s request for bail, citing concerns about the potential risk to public safety.
Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) reported earlier Monday that Balmer was “currently receiving treatment” at a hospital for an unspecified medical issue unrelated to the arson or arrest. The suspect faces serious charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary and terrorism following the Sunday morning incident.
At approximately 2:00 AM, while Governor Shapiro and his family were asleep celebrating Passover, Balmer is alleged to have breached security measures by climbing fences and deploying “homemade incendiary devices” at the mansion.
According to PSP Lt. Col. George Bivens, Balmer actively avoided troopers attempting to secure the residence before ultimately attacking the property and starting fires.
“It was a very quick event that occurred,” Bivens stated.
Governor Shapiro condemned the attack in a Sunday statement, expressing his appreciation for the law enforcement officials who ensured his family’s safety.
“This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” Shapiro said. “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.”
Police reports indicate Balmer admitted to “harboring hatred” towards Governor Shapiro.
