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Cody Allen Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, is accused of breaking a window at the Governor’s official residence with a hammer and throwing incendiary devices inside while Shapiro, his wife Lori, and their children were sleeping early Sunday, April 13.
In a 911 call obtained by Daily Voice on Friday, April 18, Balmer told dispatchers:
“Governor Josh Shapiro needs to know that Cody Balmer will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.”
He went on to accuse the governor of having his “friends killed,” saying:
“He needs to leave my family alone. He needs to get his eyes off of my daughters… That man — that man, he is doing serious, serious harm to probably yourself included.”
Balmer said he was “tired of offering extensions of peace” and claimed, “I wish no harm unto anyone,” before ending the call with:
“You all know where to find me. I’m not hiding. And I will confess to everything that I have done.”
You can listen to the full call here or in the player below:
Authorities say surveillance footage captured Balmer scaling a wall, breaking in, and igniting three separate fires inside the residence using Molotov cocktails. He then fled through a fire door. Shapiro and his family were evacuated by state police, and no injuries were reported — though the interior sustained significant damage.
Balmer was later interviewed by troopers and admitted to carrying out the attack, according to the affidavit of probable cause. A search of his Penbrook Borough bedroom uncovered the same “Snap-On” jacket he wore during the arson and a bag containing a gasoline can.
Balmer remains under state police supervision in a hospital following a medical event unrelated to the fire. He will be arraigned upon release.
He faces charges including Attempted Murder, Terrorism, Aggravated Arson, Burglary, and related offenses.
This follows a series of troubling incidents. Days before the attack, Balmer’s mother called Penbrook police expressing concern over his mental state, saying he was “irritable and agitated” and had stopped taking his medications. You can read that full account here.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive and whether any further threats were planned. A $10,000 reward is available for tips leading to additional arrests or convictions. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-4PA-TIPS.
You can also read our full coverage of Balmer’s confession and the shocking interior damage at the Governor’s Mansion here.
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