WATCH: Suspect pleads guilty in arson attack against Pennsylvania's Shapiro

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) – Surveillance video at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence captured the moments a suspect broke a window and threw Molotov cocktails in while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside.

Cody Balmer, 38, pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated arson and burglary and is expected to serve a prison term of 25 to 50 years, according to the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office.

Balmer will not be eligible for parole until April 13, 2050, when he is 63 years old. If he receives parole, he would remain under supervision until he is 88, the office said.

On April 13, 2025, Balmer allegedly climbed the fence of the governor’s residence in Harrisburg, carrying a bag that contained Molotov cocktails and a sledgehammer. Newly released video shows the moments Balmer apparently started the fire and broke into the residence.

Balmer allegedly broke a glass window and threw in the flaming Molotov cocktails, starting a fire inside the residence.

Gov. Shapiro, his family, and 15 overnight guests were inside the residence at the time of the attack. Balmer struck two doors while inside the residence, including a door leading to where his family and guests slept, according to the DA’s Office.

While inside, Balmer threw a second Molotov cocktail before fleeing, the DA said.

The DA’s Office said Balmer surrendered at the State Police headquarters the same day of the attack, citing military actions of the state of Israel in Gaza as a motivation. According to the DA’s Office, Balmer said he would have struck Gov. Shapiro with the sledgehammer if he had found him inside.

The fire caused damage that cost more than $6 million in public funds and led to a security review of the residence.

Officials said shortly after Balmer allegedly threw Molotov cocktails into the residence, he made a 911 call to take credit for the attack.

“Well, I don’t really have an emergency. I would like to apologize. Um, Governor Josh Shapiro needs to know that Cody Balmer will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people. He needs to leave my family alone. He needs to get his eyes off of my daughters, and he needs to stop having my friends killed like he killed, had many killed two weeks ago or last week on Saturday. Our people have been put through too much by that monster. I, I only had the banquet hall to clean up. I’m tired of offering extensions of peace. I only want to be able to provide for my children. I should not be taken to these extremes. It’s not fair. I wish no harm onto anyone. But that man, that man is doing serious, serious harm to probably yourself included. And I do wish you the best sir. You all know where to find me. I’m not hiding, and I will confess to everything that I have done.”

Dauphin County 911 call

Balmer’s mother told multiple media outlets her son struggled with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but she said no one helped her when she contacted police in the days leading up to the fire. He was involved in a number of incidents in recent years and was due in court the week of the attack for a domestic violence charge.

The DA’s office said they consulted with the victims prior to the plea deal being accepted. Gov. Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro also submitted a victim impact statement.