Cody Balmer, the man responsible for setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in April, has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison as part of a plea agreement. The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated arson, during his court appearance on Tuesday.
The devastating fire occurred at the governor’s official residence in Harrisburg while Shapiro, his wife, children, guests, and staff were inside. Fortunately, all occupants managed to escape without injury. Governor Shapiro expressed his family’s support for the plea deal, emphasizing the emotional toll the incident has taken on them. “We will forever be changed by this; we know that time will heal, but the scars will remain,” Shapiro remarked at a press conference alongside his wife.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of political violence across the United States. Recent attacks have included the attempted kidnapping of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and multiple assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump, as well as the murders of Minnesota state officials and commentator Charlie Kirk. Governor Shapiro highlighted the importance of faith in his family’s recovery process from this harrowing experience.
On the day of the attack, which occurred during Passover when the governor had hosted a celebration the night before, Balmer was reported to have created Molotov cocktails for the assault. Pennsylvania State Police indicated that Balmer confessed to harboring animosity towards the governor, stating he would have harmed Shapiro if given the opportunity.
Though Balmer’s actions were fueled by hatred, the swift justice response and the resilience of the Shapiro family illustrate a commitment to overcoming adversity. Governor Shapiro, who has served as Pennsylvania’s governor since 2023 and was previously the state attorney general, remains a figure of significant political interest, being considered a potential candidate for future presidential elections.