Shapiro arson suspect’s family had sought help for days from authorities before attack

Police defend response to calls about firebombing suspect before attack on Pa. governor

Penbrook police said they needed to see Cody Balmer's behavior in person before they could try to have him involuntarily committed.

Cody Balmer's mom informed police of his ‘irritable’ behavior days before arson at Gov. Mansion

Christie Balmer, the mom of arson suspect Cody Balmer, contacted police regarding her son's behavior days before the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg was set on fire, police say.

Shapiro arson suspect’s family repeatedly tried to get help in the days before the fire

Cody Balmer’s family said before the attack, he acted erratically, including by chewing on batteries and disappearing for days.

New details released after Cody Balmer’s family requested police assistance for mental health care

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — Penbrook Police are releasing new details regarding Cody Allen Balmer’s mother, Christie, requesting an involuntary mental health evaluation for her son days before he allegedly set fire to Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence. Police say Balmer’s mother contacted them on April 10, two days before the attack, due to Cody’s ‘irritable […]

Mom Of Arson Suspect At PA Governor Shapiro's Home Breaks Her Silence

Over the weekend, 38-year-old Cody Balmer was arrested after allegedly trying to set fire to the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. But now, Balmer’s mother is speaking out, and what she says paints a much more profound and troubling picture. According to police, Balmer climbed the fence of the governor’s mansion early Sunday morning. He carried beer bottles filled with gasoline—homemade Molotov cocktails. Security noticed the breach, b…

Mother of PA Arson Suspect Says She Desperately Tried to Get Son Locked Up After Out on Bail

A Pennsylvania man, Cody Balmer, 38, has been charged with setting fire to Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg early Sunday morning. According to the New York Post, Balmer, who was reportedly out on bail for a previous assault case, faces eight charges including terrorism, aggravated arson, attempted homicide, and nighttime prowling. Authorities say Balmer scaled a fence, broke into the mansion, and used a homemade Molotov c…