Arson suspect in Pennsylvania governor's mansion fire pleads guilty

The suspect in the arson of the Pennsylvania governor's mansion in April pleaded guilty to all charges on Tuesday.

Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, appeared in person for the court proceeding, which started around 8:30 am Eastern Time at the Dauphin County Courthouse in Harrisburg, local news outlet WHP reported.

Balmer pleaded guilty to all counts, including attempted first-degree murder, dozens of arson-related charges, and terrorism.

Balmer called 911 on the night of the arson and admitted to setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's (D) residence with several Molotov cocktails around 2 a.m. Sunday, April 13. Shapiro said that he and his family had been inside asleep at the time.

Authorities said Balmer called 911 about an hour after the fire started and told dispatchers, "Governor Josh Shapiro needs to know that Cody Balmer will not take part in his plans in what he wants to do to the Palestinian people."

In charging documents, police said that when asked what he would've done if Shapiro had caught him, Balmer said he would've beaten the governor with a hammer.

Balmer said when he first appeared in court to answer to the charges that concerns surrounding his mental health were rumors.