A Tragic Sequence of Events: Mental Health Crises and Systemic Failures
The events leading up to the attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion reveal a troubling pattern of systemic failures in addressing mental health crises. Cody Balmer, 38, is now charged with multiple serious crimes after allegedly setting fire to the governor’s residence. His family claims they reached out to authorities repeatedly in the days before the incident, but their pleas for help were met with indifference.
Family’s Desperate Attempts for Help
Balmer’s ex-girlfriend, Rosetta Welsh, shared her account of how the family tried to get assistance for him as his mental state deteriorated. She described alarming behaviors such as chewing on batteries, disappearing for days, and acting erratically. Despite these concerns, officials consistently told them that Balmer did not meet the criteria for involuntary commitment.
Welsh expressed frustration over the lack of action from authorities. “We were completely turned away by everybody,” she said. She emphasized that Balmer’s actions were not politically motivated or a hate crime, but rather a result of a mental health crisis. “None of it was political at all. It wasn’t a hate crime. It was simply a mental illness issue with him,” she added.
The Role of Mental Health Agencies
According to police records, the Penbrook Borough Police Department received calls about Balmer’s conduct, but they could not detain him because he had not made any threats to himself or others. Chief Joseph Hogarth explained that the threshold for involuntary commitment was not met. This decision left the family feeling helpless.
Balmer’s mother also contacted emergency dispatchers, expressing concern over his behavior. However, despite these efforts, no intervention was taken. Welsh mentioned that she called the Pennsylvania Crisis Intervention team and the psychiatric institute three days before the attack, but was told they couldn’t do anything.
A Disturbing Pattern of Behavior
Balmer’s history includes periods of instability. He served in the Army Reserves and worked as a construction equipment repairer. After leaving the military, he worked as an auto mechanic in Harrisburg. Welsh noted that he had unspecified mental health disorders and was on medication that generally treated the conditions.
Last year, Balmer was admitted to the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute for manic episodes. However, recent months saw a worsening of his condition. Welsh stated that he began chewing on batteries and disappeared for four days, prompting her to file a missing person’s report.
The Attack on the Governor’s Mansion
On April 10, Balmer’s mother reported that he had stopped taking his medication and had not been in touch for several days. Although this was not unusual, Balmer seemed agitated. He became upset when his mother called the state’s Crisis Intervention team, fearing he would be “incarcerated” in a psychiatric facility.
Despite these concerns, the agency could not involuntarily commit him. An officer checked a hotel where Balmer had stayed, and the front desk reported that he appeared “fine.” However, early Sunday morning, police say Balmer climbed over a fence, broke into the governor’s mansion, and set the fire using a homemade Molotov cocktail.
Reactions from the Family
Balmer’s family was shocked by his actions. A sibling, who asked not to be named, expressed support for Governor Shapiro and confusion over what drove Balmer to commit the act. “I don’t know what is going on in his head, but I am trying to stay as far away from this as I can,” the sibling said.
Welsh later received a phone call from Balmer, during which he confessed to setting the fire. He asked her to turn himself in, saying that no one would help him. “Everyone said he was not a threat to himself, or others, and they could not help and would not help,” she recalled.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Questions
During Balmer’s arraignment, Magisterial District Judge Dale Klein asked him about his mental health history. Balmer denied having a history of mental illness and claimed he was not abusing alcohol or drugs. When asked if he was on medication, he mumbled, “medication that led me to different types of behavior.”
His attorney, Colton Whitener, declined to comment on the allegations until more information was available. Balmer was taken to a hospital after the arraignment and later moved to Camp Hill prison.
Calls for Reform and Accountability
Welsh expressed her belief that if Balmer had received the help he needed, the attack might have been prevented. “Had he gotten the help … these actions would not have happened,” she said. Her story highlights the urgent need for better mental health care and more responsive systems to address crises before they escalate.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the effectiveness of current protocols for handling individuals in mental distress. The case has sparked discussions about the importance of early intervention and the need for a more compassionate approach to those struggling with mental health issues.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the critical role that mental health support plays in preventing violence and ensuring public safety. It also underscores the necessity for systemic reforms to ensure that individuals like Balmer receive the care they need before it’s too late.
