911 call made by suspect in arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence released
Share this @internewscast.com

Less than an hour after he allegedly firebombed the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, the suspect called 911 and appeared to apologize and confess to the early Sunday attack, according to a newly released recording of the call.

“I don’t really have an emergency. I would like to apologize,” the suspect, 38-year-old Cody Balmer, is heard telling the operator in a recording of the call obtained by ABC News through a public records request.

Balmer refers to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and himself by name in the recording of the call, which has been cited in multiple warrants in the case.

“Gov. Josh Shapiro needs to know that Cody Balmer will not take part in his plan for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,” Balmer is heard saying in the recording. “He needs to leave my family alone.”

“He needs to stop having my friends killed,” he continues in the recording. “Our people have been put through too much by that monster.”

The damage to the residence’s dining room by the fire was also mentioned in the call, according to the recording.

“All he has is a banquet hall to clean up,” Balmer is heard saying in the recording. “I’m tired of offering extensions of peace. I only want to be able to provide for my children. I should not be taken to these extremes. It’s not fair.”

PHOTO: Investigators are on the scene after an overnight fire at the governor's official residence on Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pa.

Investigators are on the scene after an overnight fire at the governor’s official residence, April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pa.

Marc Levy/AP

The suspect said he wished “no harm onto anyone,” according to the recording.

“But that man, that man is doing serious, serious harm to probably yourself included,” he continues in the recording. “And I do wish you the best, sir. You all know where to find me. I’m not hiding, and I do confess to everything that I’ve done.”

Balmer’s voice is rather calm throughout the roughly minute-long call, though he is heard taking a couple of deep breaths. It appears he hangs up before the operator can respond.

ABC News has reached out to Balmer’s public defender for comment on the call and has not yet received a response.

The 911 call was made at approximately 2:50 a.m. Sunday, according to search warrants.

Members of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded to the governor’s residence at approximately 2 a.m. that day for the report of a fire.

The attack happened hours after the Shapiro family hosted more than two dozen people for the first night of Passover. The assailant hopped a fence at the governor’s mansion, broke windows, entered the residence and deployed Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles and gasoline, police said.

Shapiro and his family were in the residence at the time of the fire but were evacuated safely and not injured, according to state police.

Cody A. Balmer appears for a mugshot photo after being charged in connection with a fire at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pa.

Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office/Getty Images

Balmer turned himself in and allegedly confessed to the fire, according to search warrants.

He faces eight criminal charges, including attempted murder, terrorism and aggravated arson. So far, prosecutors have not invoked a hate crime law, which in Pennsylvania is known as ethnic intimidation.

He has yet to enter a plea to the charges.

Balmer — a mechanic who had previously expressed disdain for Democrats on social media — was denied bail at his arraignment on Monday.

During the hearing, his attorney said Balmer is indigent and asked for a “reasonable monetary bail,” but the judge denied it, saying that while he appreciated that Balmer turned himself in, there were no conditions that could keep him from being a danger to the community.

He is set to appear in court on April 23 for a preliminary hearing.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago woman devastated after Oakridge-Glen Oaks Cemetery in Hillside removed mother's headstone

Heartbreak in Hillside: Chicago Woman’s Battle Over Mother’s Removed Headstone at Oakridge-Glen Oaks Cemetery

HILLSIDE, Ill. (WLS) — A recent investigation by the ABC7 Chicago I-Team…
Man who was on parole after prior violent offenses now accused in 4 murders

Parolee with Previous Violent Convictions Faces Charges in Quadruple Homicide

A Colorado parolee, previously deemed a “very high” risk for reoffending, now…
Former Iranian minister praises Trump assassination fatwa as daughter lives in New York

Ex-Iranian Minister Commends Trump Assassination Fatwa, Despite Daughter Residing in NYC

In a recent Persian-language television interview, former Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki…
Federal agents arrest 12 alleged members of LA's massive 18th Street gang drug trafficking operation

Federal Agents Apprehend 12 Suspected Members of Los Angeles’ Major 18th Street Gang in Drug Trafficking Crackdown

In a significant federal operation, a dozen individuals linked to a notorious…
Who is the real Schlossberg —serious politician, fantasist, internet troll, or all three?

Unveiling Schlossberg: Politician, Dreamer, or Online Provocateur?

Jack Schlossberg, the sole grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is following…
Suspect in Utah killings of 3 women was free on Iowa burglary and other charges

Utah Tragedy: Suspect in Triple Homicide Previously Released on Iowa Charges

Ivan Miller, a 22-year-old, stands accused of murdering three women in Utah,…
Pakistani terrorist recruited by Iranian spies convicted of plotting to kill Trump, other US pols in harebrained plan foiled by feds

Iranian Spy Plot to Assassinate Trump and US Politicians Thwarted: Pakistani Terrorist Convicted in Federal Sting

A Pakistani man, recruited by Iranian intelligence, was sentenced on Friday for…
Four illegal immigrants linked to MS-13 indicted for allegedly murdering 14-year-old boy in Maryland park

Four Suspected MS-13 Members Indicted in Connection with Murder of 14-Year-Old in Maryland Park

Four alleged members of the infamous MS-13 gang have been charged with…
Nancy Guthrie neighbors asked about Internet glitches on night she went missing: report

Unraveling the Mystery: Internet Outages Linked to Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance

Authorities are reportedly questioning neighbors of Nancy Guthrie about potential Internet disruptions…
US military strikes Iranian drone carrier on 'mission to sink entire' navy, footage shows

US Military Takes Bold Action: Unveils Footage of Strikes on Iranian Drone Carrier to Thwart Naval Threat

In a recent development, the US military announced early Friday that an…
Israel strikes Khamenei

Israel Targets Hidden Military Bunker of Late Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Strategic Strike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed on Friday that they have successfully…
House expands Medicaid fraud probe to 10 states to 'combat rampant waste' -- New York and California on notice

Cracking Down on Medicaid Fraud: House Investigation Expands to 10 States, Targeting Waste in New York & California

WASHINGTON — A House committee has initiated an inquiry into potential Medicaid…