Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to dozens of charges Tuesday following the alleged arson of Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home in April, court records show.
Balmer pleaded guilty to attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson, aggravated assault of an enumerated person, burglary, recklessly endangering another person and 22 counts of arson, according to a summary from the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas.(RELATED: Mitt Romney Speaks Out After Sister-In-Law Found Dead)
“It’s especially hard to know that he tried to burn our family to death while we slept,” Shapiro said following the plea. He added that he carried guilt for his job putting the lives of his children at risk.
“Serving in public office today brings with it risks. It’s the sad state of the world that we’re in,” Shapiro said. He noted there have been security changes for himself and his family since the attack.
Shapiro also referenced videos showing the suspect making his way to the door of their house. He alleged Balmer tried to break in and wield a hammer with the intention of killing Shapiro.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 13: Extensive fire damage to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence is seen during a press conference on April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Authorities have one suspect, Cody Balmer, in custody and say that the suspect accessed the property from a fence in the back. (Photo by Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images)
Shapiro said Balmer broke in through a window and started a fire with a Molotov cocktail in the residence’s state dining room.
Balmer reportedly had Cuban communist revolutionary Che Guevara stickers at his home, and he allegedly admitted to starting the fire to a 911 dispatcher. He stated he “will not take part in [Shapiro’s] plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,” according to a warrant.
Shapiro is openly Jewish, and the arson took place over Passover night. Balmer’s plea was given during Shemini Atzeret, and both are considered sacred days in Judaism.
The 38-year-old faces 25 to 50 years in prison.
The court summary also said Balmer previously pleaded guilty to forgery and criminal attempt–theft in 2016.
He now has a separate active case for simple assault that is still awaiting a plea in court, according to documents.