DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)– Surveillance video at the Pennsylvania Governor’s residence captured the moments Cody Balmer broke the window and threw Molotov cocktails inside while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside.
Balmer, 38, pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated arson and burglary and will serve a prison term of 25 to 50 years.
According to the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, Balmer will not be eligible for parole until April 13, 2050, when he is 63 years old. If he receives parole, he would remain under supervision until he is 88 years old.
On April 13, 2025, Balmer climbed the fence of the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, carrying a bag that contained Molotov cocktails and a sledgehammer. Newly released video shows the moments Balmer started the fire and broke into the residence.
Video courtesy of Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo
Balmer broke a glass window and threw in the flaming Molotov cocktails, starting a fire inside the residence.
Governor Shapiro, his family, and 15 overnight guests were inside the residence at the time of the attack. Balmer struck two doors while inside the residence, including a door leading to where his family and guests slept, according to the DA’s Office.
While inside, Balmer threw a second Molotov cocktail before fleeing.
The DA’s Office said Balmer surrendered at the State Police headquarters the same day of the attack, citing military actions of the State of Israel in Gaza as a motivation. The DA’s Office said Balmer said he would have struck Gov. Shapiro with the sledgehammer if he had found him inside.
The hammer used to enter the governor’s residence. Courtesy of the dauphin county da’s office
Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Police provide an update on the act of arson that took place at the Governor’s Residence.
Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Police provide an update on the act of arson that took place at the Governor’s Residence.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: 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. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Police provide an update on the act of arson that took place at the Governor’s Residence.
Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Police provide an update on the act of arson that took place at the Governor’s Residence.
Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Police provide an update on the act of arson that took place at the Governor’s Residence.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: 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. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The aftermath of a fire can be seen at Pennsylvania governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, Pa., Monday, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The aftermath of a fire can be seen at Pennsylvania governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, Pa., Monday, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The aftermath of a fire can be seen at Pennsylvania governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, Pa., Monday, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: 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. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: 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. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Shown is Pennsylvania governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, Pa., Monday, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Charred wood trim and brick are visible at the Pennsylvania governor’s official residence after a man was arrested in the alleged arson that forced Gov. Shapiro, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)
Charred wood trim and brick are visible at the Pennsylvania governor’s official residence after a man was arrested in the alleged arson that forced Gov. Shapiro, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)
The DA’s office says they consulted with the victims prior to the plea deal being accepted. Governor Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro also submitted a victim impact statement.
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