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 District Attorney’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 crimes. He was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

Balmer started 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.

Authorities said the video shows Balmer, 38, walking on the property and using a sledgehammer to break one of the home’s glass windows. He then threw a Molotov cocktail inside and set the mansion on fire.

Suspect Pleads Guilty in Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion

According to the video, Balmer breaks in and breaks into the house by breaking a second window with a sledgehammer.

Authorities said Cody Balmer tried to break down the door where Shapiro’s family and guests were sleeping but was unsuccessful. (Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office)

Balmer was seen hitting multiple doors with a sledgehammer but was unable to get inside. One of the doors led to where Shapiro’s family and guests were sleeping, authorities said.

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

While still inside, Balmer is seen throwing a second Molotov cocktail into the dining area, igniting a second fire, and then walking out the exit door.

Authorities said Cody Balmer was seen leaving the house after setting it on fire with two Molotov cocktails. (Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office)

TIMELINE OF THE PALISADES FIRE MANHUNT: FROM MIDNIGHT SPARK ALLEGED TO FLORIDA ARREST

“Balmer admitted to having hatred towards Governor Shapiro,” authorities said at the time of his arrest. He allegedly said he planned to attack Shapiro with his hammer if he found the governor at the mansion.

The arson attack caused major fire damage to the interior of the governor’s mansion. (Commonwealth Media Services)

Shapiro called for “real accountability for acts of political violence” at a news conference Tuesday after Balmer’s guilty plea, while also asking the public to “not become numb” to such acts.

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 exposed to political violence, violence used to silence or intimidate people,” the governor said. “In this time of increased political violence, I think it is important that none of us remain indifferent to this situation or accept it as the normal way of doing business for elected officials.”