Dauphin County, Pennsylvania – Surveillance footage from the Governor’s Mansion captured a suspect breaking a window and tossing a Molotov cocktail while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside.
Cody Ballmer, 38, has pleaded guilty to charges that include aggravated arson and robbery, which could land him a prison sentence between 25 and 50 years. The Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this.
Ballmer won’t be eligible for parole until he turns 63 on April 13, 2050. If paroled, he would be under supervision until age 88, according to authorities.
On the night of April 13, 2025, Ballmer reportedly scaled a fence at the mansion carrying a bag that contained a Molotov cocktail and a sledgehammer. Recently unveiled video shows him entering the residence with something appearing to ignite.
Once inside, Ballmer allegedly broke a window and hurled a Molotov cocktail, igniting a fire in the mansion.
Governor Shapiro, his family, and 15 guests were present during the incident. The DA’s office noted that Ballmer banged on two doors inside, one of which led to where the family and guests were sleeping.
While making his escape, he reportedly threw another Molotov cocktail, according to prosecutors.
Ballmer voluntarily surrendered at a state police station that same day. He cited Israeli military actions in Gaza as part of his motivation. Prosecutors indicated that Ballmer claimed he would have attacked Shapiro with a sledgehammer if he had encountered him.
The fire caused more than $6 million in damages, leading to an evaluation of safety protocols for the mansion.
Shortly after the attack, Ballmer made a 911 call taking responsibility. He said, “Well, it’s not like there’s really an emergency. I’d like to apologize. Well, Governor Josh Shapiro needs to know that he’s not going to be part of the planning of what Kody Ballmer wants to do to the Palestinian people.”
Ballmer’s mother shared that her son struggled with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and mentioned previous attempts to seek help before the incident. He had also been involved in various incidents in the past and was due in court for domestic violence charges the week of the fire.
Prosecutors stated they consulted with the victims prior to finalizing the plea deal, including victim impact statements from Governor Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro.
