Man Who Set Fire to Pa. Governor's Mansion Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder of Gov. Josh Shapiro By Liam Quinn

The man who set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion in an attempt to kill Gov. Josh Shapiro has learned his fate.

Cody Balmer, 38, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, terrorism and aggravated arson, among other charges related to the April 13 incident, in Dauphin County on Tuesday, Oct. 14, online court records show.

Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison, according to the Associated Press, which was less than what he would have faced had he gone to trial and been convicted.

At a press conference, Shapiro said he supported the plea deal Balmer reached with prosecutors.

“Today is real accountability,” Shapiro said, also praising the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office.

No one was injured in the attack but the home sustained significant damage. Hours before the fire, Shapiro’s family had hosted a Passover dinner and were safely evacuated from the residence at around 2 a.m.

The New York Times, CNN and USA Today previously reported search warrants that stated Balmer called police after the attack and said he would turn himself in. Balmer was taken into custody the following day.

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The AP reported that Balmer told police he had planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer had he encountered him inside.

The reported court documents said that Balmer apparently harbored resentment toward Shapiro related to the governor’s views on the Israel-Gaza war.

Balmer reportedly scaled a wall outside the mansion in Harrisburg before smashing windows, throwing homemade incendiary devices and eventually entering himself.