🔥 Who Is Cody Balmer? The Man Accused of Setting Fire to the Pennsylvania Governor's Home
🕵️♂️ The Shocking Arson Case Involving Cody Allen Balmer
Cody Allen Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was arrested over the weekend and charged in connection with a fire that broke out at the home of Governor Josh Shapiro. Authorities charged him with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism, and other related offenses.
Despite the severity of these charges, Balmer’s criminal history is relatively limited. Court records reveal minor traffic violations in Pennsylvania, along with a 2015 forgery conviction, for which he received 18 months of probation. He also faces a pending assault charge from 2023 and was due in court this week. His public defender has not responded to requests for comment.
👨👧👦 Custody Battle and Confession to Ex-Girlfriend
In June 2023, Balmer and a former partner separated and filed for child custody in Dauphin County. According to court documents, Balmer was granted primary custody of two children aged 5 and 2. The mother has not responded to media inquiries.
An ex-girlfriend told Pennsylvania State Police that Balmer admitted to starting the fire and urged her to turn him in. This admission was included in the criminal affidavit.
💰 $10,000 Reward Offered by State Police
On Sunday, state police announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. However, it is still unclear whether the woman who came forward will be eligible to receive the reward. Officials have not provided a response to media questions as of Monday morning.
🏚️ Foreclosure and His Life as a Mobile Mechanic
Public records show that Balmer’s home on Canby Street was foreclosed in 2023 and later sold in September for $60,000.
On his now-inactive Facebook profile, Balmer described himself as a certified master mechanic, offering mobile and roadside repair services by appointment. He had posted a photo of his 2019 certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
🗳️ Political Views: No Loyalty to Either Side
Balmer’s social media activity reveals a non-partisan and cynical view of politics. He shared memes mocking President Joe Biden, including a 2021 post that read: "Joe Biden owes me 2 grand" and another saying "RIP Joe Biden... Whoops that's in May. #Notmypresidenteither."
Yet he was not supportive of former President Donald Trump either. In one post about gas prices, he wrote, "Buck 85, but I said the same sh*t when Trump took office. I don't play favorites, especially since they all suck."
Balmer is a registered voter, but records show no declared political party. He last voted in the 2022 General Election.
His other posts include dark or provocative memes like:
- "Hey friend, I know the world is scary right now, but it's gonna get way worse."
- "Knowing is half the battle. The other half is extreme violence."
- A needlepoint photo of a molotov cocktail that reads: "Be the Light You Want to See in the World."
🧠 Final Thoughts
The case of Cody Balmer is more than just another headline. It’s a troubling reflection of deeper issues—mental health, personal struggles, and perhaps, desperation. While the justice system will determine his guilt or innocence, the complexity of his background raises questions about how people fall through the cracks.
As the investigation unfolds and more details come to light, the story of Cody Balmer reminds us that behind every crime, there’s often a complicated human story waiting to be understood.
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