(WBRE/WYOU) — There's new information on Cody Balmer, the man accused of setting fire to Governor Josh Shapiro's Harrisburg home. Court documents obtained by 28/22 News out of Lycoming County shed some new light on Cody Balmer's history of alleged violent behavior.
These documents detail Cody Balmer's history of alleged violence and abuse. Police say that in one instance in January of 2023, he hit two victims in the face with a closed fist and one other with his elbow. They also say he strangled one of the victims and tried to break the ankle of another.
Following the incident, Balmer was involuntarily committed to a mental health facility after he allegedly threatened to commit suicide. Upon his release from the facility, he was arrested and charged.
These documents also state that Balmer had previously been emotionally and physically abusive, and that this abuse actually caused one victim to lose their job and their home.
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A temporary protection from abuse order, or PFA, was issued in December of 2023 ordering Balmer to cease all contact with the victims directly or indirectly.
He was also ordered to give up all firearms, ammunition, and other weapons to the Lycoming County Sheriff's Department for the duration of the order.
A final PFA was issued in January of 2024, ordering Balmer to abide by the same conditions until January of this year.
A number of alarming social media posts Balmer made in recent years have also surfaced, further detailing Balmer's alleged violent tendencies, radical beliefs, and contempt for government officials.
Balmer has been formally charged with six felonies and two misdemeanors in relation to last weekend's attack on the governor's home.
This is still a developing story, and we will have more information for you as it becomes available.
