Video shows Molotov cocktail attack on Pennsylvania governor’s home

New surveillance video released Tuesday shows an arsonist setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion with flaming Molotov cocktails in April.

The Dauphin County Prosecutor’s Office shared the video shortly after suspect Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to all charges, including attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism and other related offenses. He was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

Balmer lit the fire around 2 a.m. on April 13 after Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Shapiro and his family were sleeping at the time of the incident.

The video shows Balmer, 38, walking onto the property and breaking one of the residence’s windows with a hammer, officials said. He then threw a flaming Molotov cocktail inside, setting the mansion on fire.

SUSPECT IN CRAZY FIRE ATTACK AT PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR’S MANSION PLEADS GUILTY

The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, is seen after breaking the first window of the governor’s mansion and throwing a Molotov cocktail inside. (Dauphin County Prosecutor’s Office)

Balmer uses the hammer to break a second window and climb to enter the residence, according to the video.

Officials said Cody Balmer unsuccessfully tried to break down a door leading to where Shapiro’s family and guests were sleeping. (Dauphin County Prosecutor’s Office)

Balmer was seen hitting several doors with the hammer but was unable to break through. Officials said one of the doors led to where Shapiro’s family and guests were sleeping.

The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, is seen throwing a Molotov cocktail into the governor’s mansion on April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Dauphin County Prosecutor’s Office via AP)

While still inside, Balmer is seen throwing a second Molotov cocktail into the dining room, starting a second fire before running out of the residence through an exit door.

Officials said Cody Balmer was seen leaving the residence after setting it on fire with two Molotov cocktails. (Dauphin County Prosecutor’s Office)

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Authorities said at the time of his arrest that “Balmer admitted to harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro.” He reportedly said he planned to attack Shapiro with his hammer if he found the governor in the mansion.

The interior of the governor’s mansion suffered extensive fire damage during the arson. (Commonwealth Media Services)

Shapiro spoke at a news conference Tuesday following Balmer’s guilty plea, calling for “real accountability for acts of political violence” while also asking the public not to “be numb” to such actions.

Cody Balmer is seen leaving the Dauphin County Courthouse on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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“Unfortunately, as you know, our family is not the only one experiencing political violence, violence that is used to try to silence people or intimidate them,” the governor said. “I think it’s important that in this time of increasing political violence, none of us become numb to it or accept this as business as usual for elected officials.”