The Tragic Path of a Mental Health Crisis
In the days leading up to a shocking act of violence, the family of Cody Balmer, 38, repeatedly reached out for help as his mental health deteriorated. Despite their efforts, authorities failed to intervene, leaving the community in shock after Balmer allegedly set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. This incident has raised serious questions about how mental health crises are handled in the United States and the consequences of not acting swiftly.
Family’s Desperate Calls for Help
Balmer’s ex-girlfriend, Rosetta Welsh, shared harrowing details with CNN about the alarming behavior her former partner exhibited in the days before the attack. According to Welsh, Balmer began chewing on batteries, disappearing for days, and acting erratically. She described his actions as deeply concerning and felt that he was in urgent need of care.
The Penbrook Borough Police Department confirmed receiving multiple calls from Balmer’s family regarding his conduct. However, due to the lack of threats to himself or others, they could not justify involuntary commitment. This decision left the family feeling helpless and frustrated.
Welsh emphasized that she and Balmer had been together for over six years and had a co-parenting relationship. They shared two children and maintained regular contact. Despite this, Balmer’s mental health struggles were not adequately addressed by the systems meant to support him.
A History of Mental Health Struggles
Balmer had a history of mental health issues, including manic episodes. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute last year for treatment. Welsh noted that he was on medication that generally managed his conditions. However, recent months saw a significant decline in his mental state.
In the weeks preceding the attack, Balmer’s behavior worsened. He began chewing on batteries and vanished for four days, prompting Welsh to file a missing person’s report. During this time, she contacted a Pennsylvania crisis line and the psychiatric institute, but both agencies informed her that they could not provide assistance.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
On the early morning of April 13, 2025, police allege that Balmer climbed over a fence and broke into the governor’s mansion. He used a homemade Molotov cocktail, crafted from lawnmower gasoline poured into beer bottles, to set the fire. The attack forced Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to flee, causing severe damage to the mansion.
This incident has left the public questioning the motive behind the attack. Welsh insisted that the act was not politically motivated or a hate crime, but rather a result of Balmer’s mental illness. She expressed frustration with the system that failed to provide timely intervention.
The Role of Authorities
The Penbrook Borough Police Department received a call from Balmer’s mother on April 10, who reported that her son had stopped taking his medication over a year ago and had not been in touch with her for several days. The mother described Balmer as “irritable and agitated.” Despite these concerns, the police could not take any action.
Balmer’s mother also called the state’s Crisis Intervention team, but they were unable to assist. An officer from the Penbrook Borough Police Department attempted to locate Balmer at a hotel where he had previously stayed, but the front desk reported that he had checked out and appeared “fine.”
A Disturbing Call from Balmer
Later that day, Welsh received a phone call from Balmer, during which he confessed to setting the governor’s mansion on fire. He told her, “Rose, I did it … I’m the one who set the governor’s mansion on fire.” When asked if he could turn himself in, he requested that she do it for him.
Welsh expressed her disbelief and anger, stating that everyone had told her Balmer was not a threat to himself or others. She felt completely turned away by the system that was supposed to protect him.
Reactions from Balmer’s Family
Balmer’s family was shocked by his actions. A sibling, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “I support Josh Shapiro. … I voted for him.” They expressed confusion about what drove Balmer to commit such an act and stated they were trying to stay as far away from the situation as possible.
Welsh mentioned that Balmer was taken to a hospital after the incident but was later moved to Camp Hill prison following his arraignment. She has not had any further contact with him since then.
The Broader Implications
This case highlights the critical need for improved mental health services and the importance of recognizing warning signs. It raises important questions about the adequacy of current systems in place to address mental health crises and prevent tragic outcomes.
Welsh emphasized that had Balmer received the help he needed, these actions would not have occurred. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of inadequate mental health support.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this incident and the broader implications for mental health care in the United States.
