Police in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania are still working to attempt an arson and murder attack on the governor’s residence as details of the suspect’s possible motives and criminal history will be revealed.
Cody Ballmer, 38, who is suspected of arson, was released on bail after allegedly establishing a place of residence for the governor on April 13. Additionally, Ballmer was already expected to appear in court this week for the 2023 assault charge.
According to an affidavit obtained in the 2023 charges by Fox News, the 13-year-old called police to report his stepfather beating his mother. Police say the mother, identified as Adrian in the affidavit, is “in an “adrian” and “cries and crying about her husband” and is “in an elevated state.” Ballmer is said to have taken full pills in a suicide attempt before the debate broke out. He is accused of “hardly” pushing and punching the 13-year-old, punching Adrian, and stepping on a 10-year-old’s fracture.
Cody Ballmer, 38, is charged with attempted murder, robbery, robbery, terrorism and related crimes after allegedly causing a fire on civil servant Josh Shapiro on April 13, 2025. (Dawphin County District Attorney’s Office)
Pennsylvania arson suspect was released on bail to “co-parents” after alleged domestic violence: report
The EU inside the Pembroke Police Station told Fox News that Ballmer’s mother called police because she had not taken medicine before the arson attack and was worried about her mental health.
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Gragg details a video of an arson attack, a Balmer’s 911 call and an interview with Balmer on a warrant obtained by Fox News.
Surveillance video on the warrant shows Ballmer breaking windows at the governor’s residence before throwing the “stable device” inside. According to the warrant, Balmer broke another window, entered the residence and deployed another fried Cen device before “approaching the exit of the dining room.” The warrant also states that a woman, who appears to be identified as Bermer’s “former Paramore,” confessed that he was committing an attack and asked him to call police to attract him.
Fire damage inside the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion is shown following an obvious arson attack early Sunday morning. (Commonwealth Media Services)
Pennsylvania State Police arrested the suspect after the governor’s mansion was set on fire.
The second warrant describes an interview with Ballmer’s troopers, and is said to have admitted Governor Josh Shapiro as “hatred.” Additionally, Ballmer also reportedly said he plans to defeat the governor with a hammer if he is found at the residence. Ballmer also said the unknown troopers were responsible for the arson attack.
Pennlive obtained A search warrant for Balmer’s device that could point to his motivation for Sunday’s attack. He is said to have targeted Shapiro, a Jew, for “what he wants to do to the Palestinians.”
Pennlive said Balmer’s Devices warrants include Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Benjamin Forsyth said the suspect targeted Shapiro “the injustice that he perceived by the Palestinian people.” Forsyth also said he pointed out the governor’s Jewish faith as a possible motive behind Ballmer’s attack, but clearly did not elaborate.
Gov. Josh Shapiro will be available on April 13, 2025 for the latest information on attacks on the governor’s residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Federal Media Services/Distribution Materials via Reuters)
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“This kind of violence is becoming too common in our society,” Shapiro said. “And if it’s coming from a certain side, directed at one particular party or another, I don’t mind. It’s not ok, it has to stop. It has to be better than this.”
Maria Paranich, Kitty Le Claire and Chelsea Torres of Fox News contributed to this report.
