The recent incident involving Cody Balmer, who has been accused of setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, brings forth significant concerns regarding mental health services and intervention protocols. Prior to the alleged attack, Balmer’s family had reached out to police and mental health professionals multiple times as his mental state deteriorated. Interviews conducted by CNN with Balmer’s family, along with phone records, reveal a pattern of escalating distress, marked by alarming behaviors that ultimately culminated in the assault on the governor’s residence.
Despite the family’s urgent pleas for help regarding Balmer’s erratic behavior—such as chewing on batteries and disappearing for days—officials from both law enforcement and mental health agencies consistently determined that he did not meet the criteria for involuntary commitment. This recurring conclusion from authorities left Balmer’s ex-girlfriend, Rosetta Welsh, feeling frustrated and helpless. She relayed that being denied assistance despite their clear concerns about his mental well-being highlights a systemic failure to address mental health crises adequately.
Balmer, aged 38, is now facing serious charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated arson, and terrorism. This incident, occurring on a Sunday morning, was not only destructive—causing extensive damage to the mansion occupied by Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and his family—but it also raised questions regarding Balmer’s motives. During his arraignment, he did not enter a plea, and his attorney, Colton Whitener, stated that they would refrain from commenting until more information was available.
Welsh often reflected on their history and the relationship they had shared, indicating that Balmer’s mental health issues had become increasingly severe. They were together for over six years and have two children, maintaining a cooperative co-parenting relationship even after their separation. Welsh noted that despite Balmer’s previous struggles, he had been on medication prescribed to manage his mental health conditions. However, his health had reportedly been in decline recently, culminating in troubling behaviors that aligned with a severe mental health crisis.
Three days before the incident, Welsh had attempted to acquire help for Balmer by contacting the Pennsylvania crisis line and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, only to be informed that no intervention could be made. The failure of multiple agencies to provide assistance not only left Balmer in a vulnerable state but also precipitated a situation that escalated into criminal behavior. Even Balmer’s mother had made contact regarding her son’s troubling behavior, noting a lack of communication and a general sense of agitation.
The ultimate failure here appears to be a broader systemic issue regarding how the legal and mental health systems interface with individuals in crisis. As Law Enforcement Chief Joseph Hogarth noted, Balmer’s lack of direct threats against himself or others fell short of justifying involuntary commitment, reflecting the limitations within mental health emergency protocols. This raises the critical question of what constitutes a substantial risk—especially when concerning behaviors such as eating batteries can signify dangerous levels of distress and vulnerability.
As the narrative unfolds, it is evident that Welsh believes Balmer’s actions stemmed purely from a mental health crisis rather than any political motivation or malice. “It was simply a mental illness issue with him,” she stated, expressing her wish that authorities had responded more decisively to intervene before the incident transpired. Her reflections are poignant, particularly when she questioned the judgment of mental health professionals by saying, “I don’t understand why help was not given.”
In the aftermath of the attack, Balmer’s own family has expressed disbelief and confusion, with relatives indicating a desire to distance themselves from a situation they never anticipated. Balmer was taken to a hospital following the arrest and subsequently moved to Camp Hill prison after his arraignment. This tragic series of events encapsulates a critical conversation about mental health intervention, questioning whether existing frameworks are sufficient to protect individuals in crisis and prevent future violent occurrences linked to untreated mental illness.