2 months ago
21
ARTICLE AD BOX
(NewsNation) — The man accused of trying to kill Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in an arson attack has pleaded guilty to all charges.
Cody Allen Balmer, 38, entered a plea on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated arson and terrorism in connection with the attack on Shapiro's home earlier this year. He faces 25 to 50 years in prison, with credit for time served, and a $100,000 fine.
Balmer was accused of firebombing the governor's residence on April 13, hours after Shapiro's family and friends celebrated the first night of Passover together.
"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," Shapiro said in the aftermath of the attack. "Directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another. It is not okay."
According to the complaint, Balmer told 911 operators he targeted the governor in part because of what he believed were Shapiro's views on the war in Gaza. He eventually turned himself in to the Pennsylvania State police.
A former Army reservist, Balmer had been working as a mechanic. His social media indicated anti-government views through memes and artwork. He also posted negative content about former President Joe Biden and criticized the Democratic and Republican parties.
Cody Balmer is escorted from court after his preliminary arraignment on April 14, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Mingson Lau)
This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP)
This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP)
Police line cordon is seen at Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion after a suspected arson attack caused significant damage in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
At the time of the incident, Balmer's mother told the media he was mentally ill and had stopped taking his medication. His employer told NewsNation that Balmer was getting psychiatric help.
On the day of his arrest, Balmer stuck out his tongue and rolled his eyes in response to questions about the crime and his motives.
NewsNation's Steph Whiteside and Anna Kutz contributed to this report.
English (US) ·