How Was An Intruder Able To Break Into The Governor’s Mansion?
by Dan Doyle and Alex Lloyd Gross
Pennsylvania State Police are looking into how an individual scaled a fence, smashed windows at the Governor’s mansion, and set multiple fires using Molotov Cocktails. The male, Cody Balmer then ran away on foot into the night. He wanted to beat Governor Josh Shapiro with a hammer but was unsuccessful in reaching him.
Balmer was arrested later when he confessed to his ex girlfriend and then went to a Pennsylvania State Police Barracks and turned himself in. This should never have happened and now the Pennsylvania State Police commissioned an independent review of their security. In an official statement, they said “The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is continuing to work with partners in law enforcement to investigate the arson attack and attempted homicide at the Governor’s Residence. As part of that review, PSP will engage a third-party expert to conduct an independent security review. This independent review will consist of a risk and vulnerability assessment of the Governor’s Residence and grounds following a security breach and criminal arson that occurred on Sunday, April 13, 2025.”
Alex Lloyd Gross File Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Governor Josh Shapiro.
On the condition of anonymity, A retired trooper who was previously assigned to a previous Governor’s detail remarked that the security review will likely highlight technology and manpower as key findings. others who work in private security and executive protection that are not affiliated with the Pennsylvania State Police or this investigation echoed that statement.
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, located along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, is typically well guarded and outfitted with surveillance technology. The fact that someone was able to breach the property and start fires has raised questions from both lawmakers and the public.
“More information on the independent review will be announced soon, said Myles Snyder. He said he had no timetable as to when the review would be complete. He would not speak as to staffing or tactics used by the agency. He would not answer questions as to if Balmer was chased on foot or if local police were called in. The report will be released to the Shapiro’s. Snyder said it would be up to them to release the report to the media. He could not answer if the report would have redactions.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania photo The interior of the Governor’s Mansion.
Balmer told police he harbored a hatred for Josh Shapiro. The reason for his hatred was not disclosed. He could have harbored those feelings due to policy issues. The fact that this attack on a Jewish Governor during Passover has not gone unnoticed. Balmer is charged with terrorism, attempted murder, arson and related offenses.