Background of the Suspect
Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old auto mechanic from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has a history of personal and financial struggles that have contributed to his current legal troubles. According to court records reviewed by CNN, Balmer was involved in multiple legal cases over the years, including domestic violence allegations, custody disputes, and mortgage foreclosures. His life took a dramatic turn when he was charged with setting fire to the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Balmer’s actions led to serious charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated arson, and terrorism. He allegedly used a homemade Molotov cocktail to start the fire, which forced Shapiro and his family to evacuate their home without any injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, and Balmer later turned himself in to police.
Personal and Financial Turmoil
Balmer’s personal life has been marked by significant challenges. In January 2023, he was involved in a domestic violence incident where he reportedly took a bottle of pills in a suicide attempt and then engaged in a physical altercation with his wife and children. According to an affidavit from the Penbrook Police Department, Balmer’s wife stated that he hit her son and punched her in the face, as well as elbowed another child multiple times.
The case resulted in charges of simple assault, but it remains open as Balmer had a court date set for Wednesday related to the incident. Additionally, Balmer faced financial difficulties, including a mortgage foreclosure case. In December 2022, a mortgage company sued him for non-payment, leading to a default judgment against him. By June 2024, he owed approximately $117,000, according to court documents.
Balmer eventually sold the property in September 2024, and the case was dismissed in January 2025. However, his financial struggles were not the only issue; he also faced multiple traffic violations, including driving while his operating privilege was suspended or revoked.
Mental Health Concerns
Authorities are investigating whether mental health issues played a role in Balmer’s actions. A source familiar with the investigation told CNN that officials were struck by how casual and relaxed Balmer was during the incident and in his interactions with police. Balmer’s mother, Christie Balmer, shared her concerns with CBS News, stating that her son was mentally ill and had gone off his medications, leading to the incident.
She mentioned that she had reached out to multiple police departments in an effort to get Cody Balmer “picked up,” but she could not get anyone to help. This highlights the potential gaps in the system that may have contributed to the situation.
Political Criticisms and Online Activity
Despite not being affiliated with a political party, Balmer has made several critical posts on social media, particularly targeting former President Joe Biden. His Facebook account featured posts since 2021 that criticized Biden’s policies and leadership. One post from January 2021 expressed strong opposition to Biden supporters, while another referenced the withdrawal from Afghanistan with a meme that depicted Biden driving off without his supporters.
In June 2022, Balmer shared a photo of a needlepoint illustration of a flaming Molotov cocktail, the same weapon authorities say he used to start the fires at Shapiro’s residence. This image, coupled with his online activity, raises questions about his motivations and potential connections to broader political sentiments.
Legal Proceedings and Court Dates
Balmer faces multiple legal challenges, including the recent arson charges. He was due to appear in court later this week on charges stemming from the domestic violence case, which includes three counts of simple assault. Although available court documents do not indicate whether he entered a plea, the case remains open, and the court date is set for Wednesday.
Additionally, Balmer has a history of traffic violations, including operating a vehicle while his license was suspended or revoked. He pleaded guilty in two of these cases and was fined, while the most recent case is still open. These legal issues reflect a pattern of behavior that may have contributed to his current predicament.
Community and Family Reactions
Balmer’s actions have prompted reactions from both the community and his family. His mother expressed concern about his mental health and the lack of support from local authorities. She emphasized that she had tried to reach out to multiple police departments to get Cody Balmer “picked up,” but she could not find anyone willing to help.
Balmer’s wife did not respond to requests for comment from CNN, and an attorney listed for Balmer could not be reached for further information. The lack of communication from his family and legal representatives adds to the mystery surrounding the incident.
Conclusion
The case of Cody Balmer highlights the complex interplay between personal struggles, legal issues, and potential mental health concerns. As investigators work to determine the motive behind the attack on Governor Shapiro’s residence, the broader implications of Balmer’s actions raise important questions about the support systems in place for individuals facing similar challenges. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive mental health resources and community support to prevent such tragic events from occurring.
