New surveillance video shows Pennsylvania governor's mansion arson attack
Share this @internewscast.com

New surveillance video released Tuesday shows an arsonist setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion with flaming Molotov cocktails in April.

The Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office shared the video shortly after suspect Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to all charges, including attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism and other related offenses. He was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

Balmer set the fire at around 2 a.m. on April 13 after Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Shapiro and his family were asleep at the time of the incident.

The video shows Balmer, 38, walking on the property and breaking one of the residence’s glass windows with a sledgehammer, officials said. He then threw a flaming Molotov cocktail inside, setting the mansion ablaze.

Cody Balmer walks away after throwing a Molotov cocktail into Gov. Shapiro's mansion

The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, is seen after breaking the first window to the governor’s mansion and throwing a Molotov cocktail inside. (Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office )

Balmer uses the sledgehammer to break a second window and climb through to enter the residence, according to the video.

Suspect seen kicking door inside Gov. Shapiro's mansion

Officials said Cody Balmer tried unsuccessfully to break down a door that led to where Shapiro’s family and guests slept. (Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office )

Balmer was seen striking multiple doors with the sledgehammer but was unable to break through. Officials said one of the doors led to where Shapiro’s family and guests slept.

Suspect sets fire to dining area with a second Molotov cocktail

The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, is seen throwing a Molotov cocktail in the governor’s mansion on April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office via AP)

While still inside, Balmer is seen throwing a second Molotov cocktail into the dining area, igniting a second fire before running out of the residence through an exit door.

Gov. Shapiro's residence ablaze as a suspect walks away

Officials said Cody Balmer was seen leaving the residence after setting it ablaze with two Molotov cocktails. (Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office )

Authorities said at the time of his arrest that “Balmer admitted to harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro.” He allegedly said he planned to attack Shapiro with his hammer if he were to find the governor in the mansion.

Fire aftermath at Pennsylvania Governor's Residence

The interior of the governor’s mansion sustained extensive fire damage in the arson attack. (Commonwealth Media Services)

Shapiro spoke at a press conference Tuesday following Balmer’s guilty plea, calling for “real accountability for acts of political violence,” while also asking the public to not “grow numb” to such actions.

Cody Balmer walking out of courthouse

Cody Balmer is seen leaving the Dauphin County Courthouse on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa.  (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

“Sadly, as you know, our family is not the only ones to experience political violence, violence that is used to try and silence people or intimidate people,” the governor said. “I think it’s important that in this time of rising political violence, that none of us grow numb to it or accept this as the normal course of doing business for elected officials.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Charlotte bus stabbing suspect arrested 15 times in 3 years, freed weeks before attack

Repeat Offender Arrested: Charlotte Bus Stabbing Suspect Previously Detained 15 Times in 3 Years

EXCLUSIVE ON FOX: The suspect in last week’s Charlotte bus stabbing had…
Base jumper saved off the Grand Canyon

Dramatic Helicopter Rescue Saves BASE Jumper Stranded on Canyon Cliff

A daring rescue unfolded earlier this week near Moab, Utah, capturing attention…
Hurricane Melissa Jamaica: Chicago-area groups organizing donations, help for hurricane survivors in Jamaica

Chicago Community Rallies to Aid Hurricane Melissa Survivors in Jamaica: Donation Drives and Support Initiatives Launched

CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s been over a fortnight since Hurricane Melissa unleashed…
Cause of death revealed for Cleto Escobedo, Jimmy Kimmel's longtime friend and bandleader

Unveiling the Heartbreaking Cause Behind Cleto Escobedo’s Passing: Remembering Jimmy Kimmel’s Cherished Bandleader

Since the inception of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2003, Cleto Escobedo III…
US Attorney's Office in Chicago experiencing unprecedented leadership exodus, some in legal community say

Mass Leadership Exodus: Unraveling the Unprecedented Shake-Up at Chicago’s US Attorney’s Office

In an unexpected shakeup, Chicago’s legal scene has been rattled by a…
More than 55 women accuse Army OB-GYN of sexual abuse, filming as Fort Hood faces scrutiny over silence

Over 55 Women Allege Abuse by Army OB-GYN at Fort Hood Amid Growing Concerns of Silence

The gravity of the allegations against an Army OB-GYN accused of misconduct…
Former Zelenskyy associate accused in $100 million embezzlement scheme

Ex-Zelenskyy Ally Charged in Massive $100 Million Embezzlement Plot

A former associate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing serious allegations…
Man, 47, found dead on Randalls Island with severe head trauma

Tragic Discovery: Authorities Investigate Mysterious Death of 47-Year-Old Man on Randalls Island

On Friday morning, authorities discovered the body of a 47-year-old man, lifeless…
Tennessee officer working Vance's motorcade in critical condition after crash with state trooper

Tennessee Officer in Critical Condition Following Collision with State Trooper During Vance’s Motorcade Escort

A police officer in Tennessee is fighting for his life following a…
Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, man allegedly helped by Milwaukee judge Hannah Dugan, is deported, Department of Homeland Security says

Milwaukee Judge Allegedly Aids Deportee: DHS Confirms Eduardo Flores-Ruiz’s Removal

An immigrant previously arrested after a Wisconsin judge allegedly assisted him in…
Michigan adopts sex education standards recommending students be taught gender identity, sexual orientation

Michigan Updates Sex Ed Guidelines to Include Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

The Michigan State Board of Education has officially endorsed updated sex education…
DHS deports illegal migrant charged with violent crimes who'd been aided by judge to avoid ICE arrest

DHS Deports Migrant with Criminal Charges After Judge’s Intervention Delays ICE Arrest

A Mexican national, who reportedly received help from a Wisconsin judge to…