Man Accused of Arson at Governor's Mansion Was Out on Bail for Domestic Assault

A man arrested for allegedly setting the Pennsylvania governor's mansion ablaze over the weekend was out on bail. This bail stemmed from a 2023 domestic assault case. Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were unharmed in the early Sunday incident. The suspect, Cody Balmer, was taken into custody.

In January 2023, police responded to Balmer's residence after his 13-year-old son reported that Balmer was assaulting his wife. A criminal complaint filed by the Penbrook Borough Police Department detailed the incident. Balmer allegedly took an entire bottle of pills in a suicide attempt. When his son intervened, Balmer reportedly shoved him and then punched his wife.

The complaint also stated that Balmer elbowed his 10-year-old son and stepped on his leg, which was healing from a recent break. Balmer's wife also struck him during the altercation, claiming self-defense. Court records indicate Balmer was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to address these charges.

Prior to the alleged arson, Balmer's mother contacted the Penbrook Police Station seeking help for her son, citing his mental health issues and failure to take his medication. The police department determined the calls did not warrant intervention.

During his arraignment, Balmer briefly addressed a question about his mental state, denying the rumors. He informed the court that he had no history of substance or alcohol abuse. He mentioned past medication for mental health, claiming the pills led to "different types of behavior."

Balmer exhibited unusual behavior during the hearing, including sticking his tongue out at reporters. He identified himself as an unemployed former welder with no income or savings. According to an Army spokesperson, he served in the Army Reserves from 2004 to 2012.

Balmer was out on bail related to the domestic abuse case at the time of the alleged arson. He was allowed out on bail to facilitate co-parenting.

According to the criminal complaint, Balmer admitted to harboring hatred. He told investigators he removed gasoline from a lawn mower and poured it into Heineken bottles. He also confessed to the crime while in police custody. He allegedly scaled the fence of the governor's mansion, entered through broken windows, and ignited the fire using homemade incendiary devices.

Balmer is being held without bond on charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, and terrorism. Authorities stated that he actively evaded troopers securing the residence before breaking in and setting the fires.