(NewsNation) — The man accused of trying to kill Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in an arson attack has pleaded guilty to all charges.
Cody Allen Balmer, 38, entered a plea on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated arson and terrorism in connection with the attack on Shapiro’s home earlier this year. He faces 25 to 50 years in prison, with credit for time served, and a $100,000 fine.
Balmer was accused of firebombing the governor’s residence on April 13, hours after Shapiro’s family and friends celebrated the first night of Passover together.
Shapiro said he “fully supported” the plea deal Balmer took, but added he and his family are still working through the attack.
“(My wife) and I are mindful that serving in public office today brings with it risks,” Shapiro told reporters on Tuesday after the plea. “It’s a sad state of the world we are in. But I have to tell you before this attack, those risks just felt very theoretical to me. Something that could happen elsewhere to someone else but couldn’t happen here. Sadly, this made it all real. And it brings with it a real sense of vulnerability that our family feels every single day.”
According to the complaint, Balmer told 911 operators he targeted the governor in part because of what he believed were Shapiro’s views on the war in Gaza. He eventually turned himself in to the Pennsylvania State police.
A former Army reservist, Balmer had been working as a mechanic. His social media indicated anti-government views through memes and artwork. He also posted negative content about former President Joe Biden and criticized the Democratic and Republican parties.
At the time of the incident, Balmer’s mother told the media he was mentally ill and had stopped taking his medication. His employer told NewsNation that Balmer was getting psychiatric help.
On the day of his arrest, Balmer stuck out his tongue and rolled his eyes in response to questions about the crime and his motives.
“I think we need real accountability for acts of political violence,” Shapiro said. “And today is real accountability for the violence that came here to Pennsylvania.”
NewsNation’s Steph Whiteside and Anna Kutz contributed to this report.