On April 13, 2025, an individual attacked the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg while Governor Shapiro and his family were within the residence. The video surveillance showed the perpetrator surveilling the residence and then unlawfully entering the grounds over a wall in the early morning hours. He approached one of the window on the south side of the residence. Using a hammer he had brought, he quickly broke the window after multiple blows. He then threw a Molotov Cocktail into the residence igniting a substantial fire within. The perpetrator then moved to a window to the east and forcibly entered the residence. Within the Residence, he started two more fires with two other Molotov Cocktails. He then fled through a fire door. These actions were captured on video surveillance. Governor Joshua Shapiro and his family were within the residence at the time of the attack and had to be evacuated. The fire caused substantial damage to the Governor’s Residence. Video surveillance showed that the perpetrator was wearing a “Snap-On” jacket with distinctive shoulder patches. 

On this same date, troopers interviewed Cody A. Balmer. He admitted that he committed the above acts. On the same date, members of the Pennsylvania State Police searched the residence where Cody Balmer was residing in Penbrook Borough, Dauphin County. Within the bedroom he used, troopers recovered the unique Snap-On jacket with the distinctive shoulder patches and a bag containing a gasoline container.

The Commonwealth has charged Balmer with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism, and related offenses. The defendant is presumed innocent of these charges. The criminal complaint and affidavit are attached.

Fran Chardo, Dauphin County District Attorney