Shocking photos of arson attack emerge as police reveal suspect wanted to beat Shapiro with hammer

Published April 14, 2025 11:52am ET



The suspect who set fire to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s (D-PA) governor’s residence planned to beat him with a small sledgehammer if he found him, court documents said.

The man, allegedly 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg, entered Shapiro’s home on Sunday and lit it on fire with Molotov cocktails, forcing the governor, his family, and guests to evacuate the 29,000-square-foot mansion.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.