Man Accused of Arson at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence Struggled With Mental Illness: Brother

Cody Balmer, 38, appeared in a Harrisburg court for the first time on Monday afternoon, where he denied that he suffered from any mental condition.

Cody Balmer is taken from a courtroom in Harrisburg, Pa., on April 14, 2025, after being denied bail for charges he broke into the governor's residence and started a fire that did extensive damage. Mark Scolforo/AP Photo

The man accused of setting the Pennsylvania governor’s residence on fire had struggled with mental illness, his brother said Tuesday.

Cody Balmer, 38, had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder but didn’t believe the assessment, his brother, Dan Balmer, said. Cody Balmer had twice been treated at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute.

Authorities allege Cody Balmer scaled an iron security fence, eluded police, and set Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg ablaze early Sunday morning.

Balmer was denied bail after appearing in a Harrisburg court for the first time on Monday afternoon, where he denied that he suffered from any mental illness.

“That’s the rumor, but no ma'am,” he told Judge Dale Klein during his arraignment.

Christie Balmer, his mother, said on Monday that she has been recently seeking support for his mental health, but “nobody would help” and her son was not taking his medicine.

The Penbrook Borough Police Department on Tuesday said that Christie Balmer contacted its office on April 10, “concerned for her son’s well-being after he left the house for whereabouts unknown.” She reportedly told police that “she believed her son stopped taking his medications a year ago,” according to a news release.

Cody Balmer did not enter a plea to the charges, which include attempted homicide, aggravated assault, arson, and terrorism.

Several media outlets captured Cody Balmer arriving and leaving the courthouse as state troopers led him in handcuffs. Balmer didn’t respond to any reporters’ questions about the reasons for the attack or why he targeted the governor, but rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at the cameras. Balmer’s public defender also did not give a statement to the media.

Balmer admitted to authorities that he broke into the governor’s mansion on April 13 and ignited a fire. He also said if he met the governor face to face that night, he would attack him with a sledgehammer.

Shapiro and his family were sleeping inside at the time but were woken up by state troopers and forced to evacuate. The arson attack happened just hours after Shapiro celebrated the Jewish passover with his family and several guests inside the historic residence. The Shapiro family evacuated without any injuries, authorities said.

Damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside, in Harrisburg, Pa., on April 13, 2025. Commonwealth Media Services via AP

He turned himself in at state police headquarters after confessing to a woman and asking her to call police, according to the affidavit.

A motive for the attack, including whether it had anything to do with the governor’s religious beliefs, remains unknown.

Balmer’s political affiliation is also unclear. An affidavit reviewed by NTD has revealed that Balmer “admitted to harboring hatred” toward the governor.

Both Republicans and Democrats called for swift justice and condemned the attack as political violence.

According to Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline, the fire caused significant damage to the governor’s mansion, possibly worth millions of dollars. The residence was built in 1968 and did not have sprinklers.

Balmer is being held without bail at Dauphin County Prison. His next court appearance has been set for April 23.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News