Man Accused of Arson at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence Struggled With Mental Illness: Brother

Cody Balmer, 38, appeared in a Harrisburg court for the first time on Monday afternoon, where he denied that he suffered from any mental condition.

Cody Balmer is taken from a courtroom in Harrisburg, Pa., on April 14, 2025, after being denied bail for charges he broke into the governor's residence and started a fire that did extensive damage. Mark Scolforo/AP Photo

The man accused of setting the Pennsylvania governor’s residence on fire had struggled with mental illness, his brother said Tuesday.

Cody Balmer, 38, had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder but didn’t believe the assessment, his brother, Dan Balmer, said. Cody Balmer had twice been treated at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute.