Chilling surveillance footage reveals the moment a domestic terrorist attempted to assassinate Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family with Molotov cocktails.
Story Highlights
- Cody Allen Balmer attacked Governor Shapiro’s residence with sledgehammer and Molotov cocktails at 2 a.m.
- Security cameras captured the entire assassination attempt as Balmer broke windows and ignited fires
- Balmer pleaded guilty to attempted murder and terrorism charges, receiving 25-50 years in prison
- Attack occurred during Passover celebration, highlighting escalating political violence against elected officials
Terrorist Attack Captured on Security Cameras
On April 13, 2025, at approximately 2 a.m., Cody Allen Balmer launched a premeditated assassination attempt against Governor Josh Shapiro and his family at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. Surveillance footage shows the 38-year-old mechanic from Penbrook wielding a sledgehammer to smash windows before hurling Molotov cocktails into the mansion where the governor’s family slept. The attack occurred just hours after the Shapiro family celebrated Passover Seder, making this assault particularly heinous in its timing and intent.
Security Footage Shows Arsonist Torching Gov. Josh Shapiro's Home https://t.co/UhED0cRAda
— ConservativeLibrarian (@ConserLibrarian) October 15, 2025
The security video reveals Balmer’s methodical approach as he systematically broke multiple windows and ignited fires throughout the residence. Pennsylvania State Police investigators determined Balmer acted with clear intent to harm Governor Shapiro, as he admitted during interrogation that his actions were motivated by personal and political animosity toward the governor. The extensive fire damage could have been catastrophic had the family not escaped safely.
Watch: Josh Shapiro House Arson: Security video shows moment Balmer set PA Gov. Shapiro’s house on fire
Swift Justice for Domestic Terrorism
Balmer fled the scene immediately after the attack but later turned himself in to authorities. The Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office pursued the maximum charges available, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and related offenses. On October 14, 2025, Balmer pleaded guilty to all charges and received a sentence of 25 to 50 years in prison. This decisive legal action demonstrates that politically motivated violence against elected officials will face the full weight of the justice system.
The prosecution’s approach sends a clear message that domestic terrorism targeting government leaders threatens the foundation of our democratic institutions. Law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania have used this case as a model for investigating and prosecuting similar threats against public officials. The successful conviction provides accountability that Governor Shapiro emphasized as essential for deterring future attacks on elected leaders and their families.
Rising Threat to Conservative Values
This assassination attempt represents a disturbing escalation in political violence that threatens the security of all elected officials, regardless of party affiliation. Governor Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro publicly addressed the attack’s impact on their family, calling for “real accountability for acts of political violence” and urging Americans not to become desensitized to such threats. The incident highlights how political polarization has reached dangerous levels that endanger basic democratic processes and public service.
The attack underscores the need for enhanced security measures protecting elected officials and their families from extremist threats. The preservation of democratic institutions requires robust protection for those who serve in government, ensuring that political differences are resolved through legitimate channels rather than violence and intimidation.
Sources:
New surveillance video shows Pennsylvania governor’s mansion arson attack
2025 Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence arson
Statement from Gov. Shapiro and FL Shapiro on guilty plea for assassination attempt
