Suspect Cody Balmer charged in arson attack on PA Gov's home

Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was charged with multiple felonies following an arson attack on Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence on April 13, 2025. The charges include:

According to authorities, Balmer illegally entered the Governor’s Residence by scaling a security fence, broke windows with a hammer, and threw homemade Molotov cocktails to start fires. He confessed to the acts, admitting to harboring hatred toward Shapiro and intending to cause serious harm. Balmer turned himself in and was held in custody, with a criminal complaint filed on April 13, 2025. Federal charges may also be considered, though no conspiracy charges are expected, as investigators believe he acted alone.