The man who police say firebombed the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence using two Heineken bottles filled with gasoline has been moved to a state prison known for providing intensive psychiatric treatment to incarcerated people.
Cody Balmer, 38, was moved Thursday morning to SCI Waymart in Wayne County, according to Pennsylvania Department of Corrections records.
SCI Waymart specializes in providing intensive psychiatric treatment to inmates with mental illness. Inmates from across the state are often transported there for treatment.
Police say they believe Balmer’s attack against the Governor’s Residence was motivated by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s perceived views on the war in Gaza, but family members say he struggled with mental illness.
Balmer called 911 following the attack early Sunday, identified himself by name and told operators Shapiro needs to know he “…will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people,” a search warrant said.
Balmer’s mental health will take center stage in his court proceedings. His attorneys with the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office told PennLive last week they intend to push Balmer’s mental health to the forefront of the case.
Balmer’s mother told PennLive he had stopped taking his prescribed medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
The public defender’s office previously told PennLive they will file a mental health competency petition in Dauphin County Court, which will temporarily pause Balmer’s probable cause proceedings.
PennLive could not reach Balmer’s defense team for comment on his transfer.
Balmer was previously held in SCI Camp Hill, 20 minutes from the Dauphin County Courthouse. SCI Waymart is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Harrisburg for his attorneys, family and others seeking to visit him.
Balmer was originally scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Matthew Pianka for a probable cause hearing Wednesday, the day before the Department of Corrections listed Balmer as having been placed in Waymart.
Balmer’s probable cause hearing has since been rescheduled for May 25 in Dauphin County Court.