Brother Claims Man Charged with Arson at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence Faced Mental Health Challenges
Cody Balmer, 38, made his initial appearance in a Harrisburg court on Monday afternoon, where he refuted claims of having any mental health issues.
The man charged with igniting a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence was said to have grappled with mental health challenges, according to his brother on Tuesday.
Cody Balmer, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, is skeptical of this diagnosis, as stated by his brother, Dan Balmer. Cody has undergone treatment twice at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute.
Authorities assert that Cody Balmer climbed over an iron security fence, evaded police, and set Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg on fire early Sunday morning.
After his first court appearance in Harrisburg on Monday afternoon, Balmer was denied bail, maintaining he does not have any mental illness.
“That’s the rumor, but no ma’am,” he responded to Judge Dale Klein during the arraignment.
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Cody Balmer has yet to enter a plea against charges, which include attempted homicide, aggravated assault, arson, and terrorism.
Balmer confessed to authorities that he broke into the governor’s mansion on April 13 and started the fire. He mentioned that had he encountered the governor that night, he would have attacked him with a sledgehammer.
During the time of the arson attack, Shapiro and his family were asleep inside the mansion but were awakened by state troopers and evacuated. This incident took place mere hours after the Shapiro family celebrated the Passover holiday with guests at the historic residence. Thankfully, the Shapiro family evacuated without sustaining any injuries, according to officials.
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
After confessing to a woman and requesting her to call the police, he surrendered at the state police headquarters, as outlined in the affidavit.
The motive behind the attack, including any connection to the governor’s religious beliefs, remains unclear.
Calls for prompt justice and condemnation of the attack as an act of political violence came from both Republicans and Democrats.
Balmer is currently being held without bail at Dauphin County Prison, with his next court date scheduled for April 23.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
