Cody Balmer's mother, Christie Balmer, told CBS News that she reached out to four different police departments, but "couldn't get anybody to help" before her son was charged with setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence on Sunday.
Christie Balmer also told CBS News, "So he was mentally ill, went off his meds, and this is what happened."
In court, however, Balmer denied having any mental illness. He described himself as an unemployed welder with no income or savings and said he had "a lot of children." As he was denied bail, he did not enter a plea to the charges, which include attempted homicide, aggravated assault, arson, and terrorism.
Why It Matters
Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism and other offenses, the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office announced on Monday. Authorities said Balmer scaled an iron security fence and eluded state troopers before breaking into the governor's residence and setting fire to it in the early hours of Sunday.
What To Know
Shapiro, his family and guests safely evacuated the home. They had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover at the residence on Saturday.
The governor's residence was damaged, but no one was injured.
At a news conference on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police said Cody Balmer had some "homemade incendiary devices."
Cody Balmer later turned himself in to police and admitted to "harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro," according to a probable cause affidavit.
Cody Balmer also told officials that if Shapiro found him inside the home, he "would have beaten him with his hammer," the affidavit said.
Shapiro spoke to FBI Director Kash Patel who said he will provide resources for the investigation.
Cody Balmer's criminal record includes arrests for forgery, theft by deception and assault, according to court records.
What People Are Saying
Governor Josh Shapiro at a news conference on Sunday: "We don't know the person's specific motive yet. But we do know a few truths. First, this type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this."
Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police speaking about Cody Balmer at a news conference on Sunday: "I will tell you that he clearly had a plan. He was very methodical in his approach and moved through it without a lot of hurry."
What Happens Next?
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Pennsylvania State Police Troop H is investigating the fire. Anyone with information related to the fire is asked to call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).
Cody Balmer is expected to appear in court for unrelated assault charges stemming from a January 2023 incident on Wednesday.
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Update: 4/14/25, 7:24 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
