Family seeks help for mental health before arson at governor’s home

Cody Balmer, charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, had a concerning mental health history that his family attempted to address just days before the incident. Balmer’s relatives sought to have him committed to a psychiatric facility, citing their fears for his wellbeing when he stopped taking his medication. Despite their efforts, local authorities determined that Balmer did not meet the criteria for involuntary commitment.

In a court appearance, Balmer claimed he had no prior mental health issues. However, records indicate he had been involuntarily committed in 2023 following a domestic violence incident and a suicide attempt. His family reported their concerns to police on April 10, just days before the arson, but officials stated that Balmer appeared to be fine when they checked on him at a hotel.

According to Penbrook Police, officers responded to the family’s calls but could not act on their request for involuntary commitment, as Pennsylvania law requires that the individual’s behavior must be personally observed to qualify for such action. Therefore, when officers arrived, they found Balmer had already left the hotel, and the clerk reported he seemed okay.

Nev Jones, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, explained that police are not obligated to conduct extensive searches based solely on a request for a wellness check. The law allows for two pathways to commit an individual against their will: a petition filed by a concerned party or an assessment by an authorized official who observes the person and finds them severely mentally disabled.

Jones noted the challenges involved in these situations, emphasizing a complex balance between protecting individual rights and responding adequately to mental health crises. She criticized the current system as offering only temporary solutions, stating that involuntary commitments often result in individuals being released after a short period without addressing the underlying issues.

“Involuntary commitments might detain individuals for a couple of days, but they are often sent back into the same environments that contributed to their crises,” Jones said. She called for a re-evaluation of mental health services in Pennsylvania, highlighting the need for long-term care and support that could help prevent similar incidents.

This incident, while tragic, reflects broader issues within the mental health system in Pennsylvania, where many individuals with mental health challenges face homelessness, poverty, and unemployment. Jones hopes that increased awareness and discussion following this case can lead to meaningful changes in how mental health care is structured and delivered across the state.