(NewsNation) — New details have emerged about an arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion that caused Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to flee to safety on Sunday.
Court documents outline the suspect’s alleged plan to beat Shapiro with a hammer during the attack, which took place on the first night of Passover.
Arson attack on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home
Local authorities responded to a fire at the residence around 2 a.m. EDT Sunday. On social media, Shapiro said he woke up to “loud bangs” on the door. The governor, his family and a visiting guest fled to safety from the fire, which authorities deemed to be arson.
Shapiro, 51, decried the violence and said it was inappropriate regardless of the party or individual at which it was directed.
“This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” he said.
New court documents allege the suspect was aware Shapiro could be home and planned to beat him with a hammer if confronted.
Damage to the governor’s mansion
Authorities say the suspect used Molotov cocktails to start the fire, which caused significant damage to the mansion’s south wing.
Images show damage to rooms where Shapiro had hosted a Passover seder hours earlier. Authorities say the suspect scaled a fence and broke into the property before using an incendiary device and evading police when they responded to the emergency.
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This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP) -
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) -
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) -
This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP) -
The aftermath of a fire can be seen at Pennsylvania governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, Pa., Monday, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) -
The aftermath of a fire can be seen at Pennsylvania governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, Pa., Monday, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) -
Shown is Pennsylvania governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, Pa., Monday, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) -
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a news conference at the governor’s official residence about a suspected arson fire that forced him, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy) -
Shown is Pennsylvania governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, Pa., Monday, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Suspect Cody Balmer turns himself in
The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer. Balmer turned himself in to the police after the attack. He was transported to a local hospital, where he is receiving treatment for a medical issue not connected to the attack.
He is being charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, reckless endangerment, terrorism, aggravated assault, loitering and prowling at nighttime. Balmer is awaiting arraignment.
