World

Penbrook Man Charged with Setting the PA Governor’s Mansion on Fire

Sarah Dahl, Reporter

April 23, 2025

This past Sunday, 38-year-old Cody Balmer, a man from Penbrook, attacked and set fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion.

Authorities in Pennsylvania have arrested the man. According to NPR.org, Balmer “intentionally set fire to the governor’s residence early Sunday morning while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside”.

Balmer told investigators that he had a “harboring hatred” toward Shapiro and “would have beaten the governor with a hammer if he’d encountered him during the break-in at the Harrisburg residence,” according to NPR.org.

Prosecutors have charged Cody Balmer with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and other crimes. He turned himself in to the police later that Sunday.

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About the Contributor

Sarah Dahl, Reporter

This year, Sarah Dahl is a sophomore reporting for the Broadcaster. This is her first year being a part of the Broadcaster staff. She participates in field hockey, enjoys baking and hanging out with her friends.