Cody Balmer, 38, has been arrested and charged in connection with the arson attack at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s official residence early Sunday morning. Now, the case has taken a disturbing turn as alleged social media posts of Balmer have surfaced, featuring anti-Biden rhetoric and images of him holding rifles.
Arrest and Charges
Balmer is facing multiple serious charges, including:
- Attempted murder
- Terrorism
- Aggravated arson
- Aggravated assault against an enumerated person
District Attorney Fran Chardo confirmed at a press conference, “Cody Balmer is in custody. We are preparing a criminal complaint to charge him.” Authorities have yet to release Balmer’s official photo.
A Planned Attack
According to Pennsylvania officials Christopher Paris and George Bivens, Balmer’s attack was methodically planned. He:
- Jumped the fence surrounding the Governor’s residence
- Carried homemade incendiary devices
- Evaded security forces at the scene
Anti-Biden Posts & Firearm Images Surface
In the aftermath of the arrest, social media users have shared screenshots from what is believed to be Balmer’s Facebook profile. These include:
- Posts criticizing Joe Biden
- Images of Balmer posing with firearms
While these screenshots are unverified, they have stirred public concern, raising questions about Balmer’s political motivations.
Governor Shapiro Responds
Cody Balmer, the guy that set fire to the governor’s mansion
Old posts mocked MAGA but also hated Joe Biden
I will laugh and laugh if this was because Shapiro is a “Zionist” pic.twitter.com/Tx0HFouDlB
— Ben Shapiro’s Biceps 💪🍋🔆 (@conro) April 13, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro revealed in an early morning post on X (formerly Twitter):
Here’s Cody Balmer, the man who was just arrested for trying to firebomb and kill Gov Shapiro and the Gov’s family. Definitely NOT a Biden fan. Here are photos from his FB page. 👉👉👉 pic.twitter.com/1ir6KIV8hQ
— Lainelaine66 💙💙🌊💙💙 (@Sogburn57) April 13, 2025
“At about 2 AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence. We were evacuated safely. Thank God no one was injured.”
Cody Balmer, 38, hated @JoeBiden, supported @realDonaldTrump and spouted misogynistic rhetoric when he climbed over a fence and attempted arson during Passover against Gov @JoshShapiroPA.
Gov Shapiro’s wife, children and other family members were taken to safety from the Gov’s… pic.twitter.com/NqkTw5o0xx
— Tony Gray (@ABGray) April 13, 2025
Later at a press conference, he condemned the growing trend of violence:
“This kind of violence is becoming far too common… I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other. It is not okay, and it has to stop.”
What’s Next?
Balmer’s motive remains unclear, but investigators are reportedly combing through his digital footprint to determine whether the alleged political posts and weapons photos are relevant to the case.
As the criminal complaint is being finalized, the incident has reignited concerns over politically motivated violence in the United States — especially against public officials.
