Arsonist Who Lit Up Pennsy Governor’s Residence While Family Slept Inside Learns His Fate

The Pennsylvania man who firebombed the governor’s residence earlier this year was sentenced this week to 25 to 50 years in prison.

Cory Balmer entered a guilty plea to 50 counts relating to the attack after initially pleading not guilty, WFMZ reported.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests — including eight children — were asleep on April 13, hours after a Passover celebration at the Harrisburg residence. They all escaped the home safely, as CrimeOnline previously reported.

In court on Tuesday, prosecutors showed surveillance video of Balmer’s attack.

Prosecutors said he admitted to pouring gasoline from his lawn mower into bottles then walking to the governor’s residence. He also said he planned to attack Shapiro with a hammer if he encountered him during the attack.

Balmer declined to speak at the hearing, but his family apologized to Shapiro and his family in a letter read in the court. The letter described Balmer as a devoted father and son.

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[Featured image: This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP). Inset: Cory Balmer/Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office via AP]