Video shows Molotov cocktail attack on Pennsylvania governor's house

New surveillance video released Tuesday shows an arsonist setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's mansion with flaming Molotov cocktails in April.

The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office shared the video shortly after suspect Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to all charges, including attempted murder, aggravated arson, robbery, terrorism and other related crimes. He was sentenced to between 25 and 50 years in prison.

Balmer set the fire around 2 a.m. on April 13, after Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Shapiro and his family were asleep at the time of the incident.

The video shows Balmer, 38, walking through the property and breaking one of the residence's glass windows with a sledgehammer, authorities said. He then threw a flaming Molotov cocktail inside, setting the mansion on fire.

SUSPECT IN FIRE ATTACK AT PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR'S MANSION PLEDS GUILTY

Balmer uses the sledgehammer to break a second window and climb inside the residence, according to the video.

Authorities said Cody Balmer tried unsuccessfully to break down a door leading to where Shapiro's family and guests were sleeping. (Dauphin County District Attorney's Office)

Balmer was seen hitting several doors with the sledgehammer, but was unable to get through them. Authorities said one of the doors led to where Shapiro's family and guests were sleeping.

The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, is seen throwing a Molotov cocktail at the governor's mansion on April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Dauphin County District Attorney's Office via AP)

While still inside, Balmer is seen throwing a second Molotov cocktail into the dining room, causing a second fire before running out of the residence through an exit door.

Authorities said Cody Balmer was seen leaving the residence after setting it on fire with two Molotov cocktails. (Dauphin County District Attorney's Office)

PALISADES FIRE HUNTING TIMELINE: FROM THE ALLEGED MIDNIGHT SPARK TO THE ARREST IN FLORIDA

Authorities said at the time of his arrest that “Balmer admitted to harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro.” He allegedly said he planned to attack Shapiro with his hammer if he found the governor in the mansion.

The interior of the governor's mansion suffered extensive fire damage in the arson. (Commonwealth Media Services)

Shapiro spoke at a press conference Tuesday following Balmer's guilty plea, calling for “real accountability for acts of political violence,” while asking the public not to “become desensitized” to such actions.

Cody Balmer is seen leaving the Dauphin County Courthouse on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Unfortunately, as you know, our family is not the only one experiencing political violence, violence that is used to try to silence or intimidate people,” the governor said. “I think it's important that in this time of increasing political violence, none of us become callous or accept this as the normal course of doing business for elected officials.”