(NewsNation) — After an arson attack in the early hours of Sunday morning, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family fled the governor’s mansion.
Police say the suspect, Cody A. Balmer, climbed over a fence before setting the fire with Molotov cocktails. The mansion sustained significant damage to one wing.
Balmer has turned himself in to police. The motive of the attack remains unknown.
Who is Cody Balmer, and what are the charges against him?
Balmer, 38, worked as a mechanic at Kindermans Auto Repair in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which said on social media that he was a former employee.
Balmer’s social media indicated anti-government views through memes and artwork. He also posted negative content about former President Joe Biden and criticized both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Balmer’s mother has said he is mentally ill and had stopped taking his medication.
Court documents show Balmer allegedly told police he was “harboring hatred” toward Shapiro.
Balmer is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism, burglary and others related to the attack.
Balmer has a criminal history, having pleaded guilty to forgery and theft in 2015 and forgery in 2016. He also has an open assault case from 2023.
How did the authorities manage to apprehend Cody Balmer?
A woman who said she was an ex-girlfriend of Balmer’s called the police and said he had confessed to the crime and wanted to turn himself in.
Balmer later turned himself in to Pennsylvania State police.
How did the fire impact Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family?
Shapiro, his family and a guest fled the mansion after the arson attempt and were relocated safely.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images) 
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images) 
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images) 
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES – APRIL 13: Police line cordon is seen at Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion after a suspected arson attack caused significant damage in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference later in the day to address the incident and reassure the public. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Harrisburg Fire Department responded to a fire at the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street in Harrisburg City, Dauphin County. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, which damaged a portion of the historic residence. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The attack occurred hours after the governor, who is Jewish, hosted a Passover Seder in the mansion. Speaking to reporters, Shapiro said his family would be continuing to celebrate the holiday Monday night.