A Pennsylvania man is facing federal terrorism and attempted murder charges after allegedly firebombing the state’s governor’s residence in what authorities describe as a premeditated attack. Cody Balmer, 38, of Lancaster County, confessed to harboring hatred toward Governor Josh Shapiro and told investigators he planned the arson using homemade incendiary devices fashioned from beer bottles and gasoline.
The attack occurred on April 13 at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg. According to the criminal complaint, Balmer scaled a perimeter fence and threw Molotov cocktails—gasoline-filled Heineken bottles—into the south wing of the residence while Governor Shapiro, his family, and guests were inside. Emergency responders quickly extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported, but the incident caused damage to the property and prompted a rapid evacuation.
Balmer later turned himself in and told police he had planned the attack in advance by “removing gasoline from a lawn mower and pour[ing] it into Heineken bottles” he found at his residence. Balmer was also allegedly armed with a hammer and indicated he would have assaulted the governor had they encountered one another during the break-in.
He now faces a range of charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. Pennsylvania State Police said Balmer was “very methodical” and clearly intent on causing harm.
When asked about the motive during a press appearance with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, former President Donald Trump said, “The attacker was not a fan of Trump, I understand… probably just a whack job.” He added, “Certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) condemned the attack as “inexcusable,” stating, “Such evil cannot be tolerated. Thankfully, they are unharmed. The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The incident has renewed concerns over political violence targeting public officials and raised further questions about security at government residences across the country.
Governor Shapiro has not publicly commented on the motive or the suspect but thanked law enforcement for their quick response. Officials have since launched a review of security protocols at the governor’s residence and increased protective measures.
