Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty in Arson Attack at Governor’s Mansion While Shapiro’s Family Slept

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 13: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference outside of the Governor’s Mansion after a portion of the property was damaged in an arson fire on April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Shapiro and his family escaped unharmed and police have a suspect, Cody Balmer, in custody. (Photo by Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man who scaled a security fence in the middle of the night and set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion has pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other charges. Cody Balmer entered the plea Tuesday for the attack in April that caused millions of dollars of damage to the state-owned building in Harrisburg. Gov. Josh Shapiro and members of his family were inside and had to be evacuated. No one was injured, but authorities say the 38-year-old Balmer told them he planned to beat the governor with a small sledgehammer if he encountered him. Balmer’s family has said he has a history of mental health problems.