Background of the Suspect
Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old auto mechanic, has become the focal point of a high-profile incident involving the Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro. Balmer was charged with multiple serious offenses, including attempted homicide, aggravated arson, and terrorism, following an alleged attack on Shapiro’s residence. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning when Balmer reportedly climbed over a fence and broke into the governor’s mansion, setting a fire using a homemade Molotov cocktail.
Balmer had previously faced legal challenges, including allegations of domestic violence. In January 2023, he was involved in a domestic dispute where he allegedly assaulted his wife and children. According to an affidavit from the Penbrook Police Department, Balmer claimed to have taken a bottle full of pills in a suicide attempt and then engaged in a fight with his wife and son. His wife reported that he hit the boy and punched her in the face, as well as elbowed another child multiple times.
Legal Troubles and Financial Issues
Balmer’s legal troubles extend beyond the domestic violence case. He was also involved in a custody dispute with his wife over two other children, which resulted in a court-ordered shared custody arrangement. Additionally, he faced financial difficulties, including a mortgage foreclosure case. In December 2022, a mortgage company sued Balmer seeking to foreclose on a house he owned in Harrisburg. The company won a default judgment against him, and by June 2024, he owed approximately $117,000.
Balmer managed to sell the property in September 2024, leading to the dismissal of the case in January 2025. However, he continued to face legal issues, including charges related to driving while his operating privilege was suspended or revoked. In February of this year, he was charged with operating a vehicle without a valid inspection. Balmer pleaded guilty in two of the cases and was fined, while the most recent case remains open.
Political Criticisms and Social Media Activity
Balmer’s actions have raised questions about his motivations, particularly regarding his political views. While he is not affiliated with any political party, he has made several critical posts on social media, primarily targeting former President Joe Biden. His Facebook posts have included statements such as “Biden supporters shouldn’t exist. Where were you his first run? Well aware of the trash he is.”
In September 2021, Balmer posted a meme criticizing Biden’s handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, featuring a car with text that reads, “Get in, loser. We’re leaving Afghanistan.” This was followed by an image of Biden driving off with the text, “Drives off without you.”
Additionally, in June 2022, Balmer shared a photo of a needlepoint illustration of a flaming Molotov cocktail, the same weapon authorities say he used to start the fires at Shapiro’s residence. The original image declared, “Be the light you want to see in the world.”
Mental Health Concerns and Family Response
Authorities are investigating whether mental health issues played a role in Balmer’s actions. A source familiar with the investigation told CNN that officials were struck by how casual and relaxed Balmer appeared during the incident and in his interactions with police. Balmer’s mother, Christie Balmer, stated that her son was mentally ill and had gone off his medication, leading to the incident. She mentioned that she had reached out to multiple police departments in an effort to get Cody Balmer “picked up,” but she “couldn’t get anybody to help.”
After the incident, a woman identified as Balmer’s ex-lover called police to report that Balmer had confessed to starting the fire. During an interview with police after turning himself in, Balmer admitted to removing gasoline from a lawn mower and pouring it into beer bottles to create Molotov cocktails, which he threw into the governor’s home.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigations
The incident has sparked widespread concern within the community and among law enforcement. Balmer’s actions have raised questions about the effectiveness of mental health support systems and the need for better communication between individuals in crisis and local authorities.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the exact motive behind the attack. Balmer has expressed “harboring hatred” toward Governor Shapiro, stating he would have beaten the governor with a hammer. However, there is no evidence that he had previously mentioned Shapiro, only expressing criticism towards former President Biden.
