Balmer lived in Penbrook throughout his entire life, and was a student at Dauphin County Technical School during his early teenage years. According to his brother, Balmer had been diagnosed with
bipolar disorder but rejected the diagnosis, often refusing to take his medication. He believed his sister-in-law to be a witch who cast a spell on him because she pressed him to get appropriate psychiatric care. Following Balmer's arrest, his mother Christie Balmer told
CBS News that her son has
schizophrenia and
bipolar disorder and stated that he "went off his medication". Balmer struggled with mental illness throughout his life and was hospitalized twice. In a warrant to search Balmer's possessions issued after the incident, state police stated in their search warrant that Balmer had targeted Shapiro based on "perceived injustices toward the people of Palestine". In a 911 call previously made by Balmer, he characterized Shapiro as a "monster" who should stop having his friends killed, put his people "through too much" and said that he would not take part in Shapiro's "plans" for
Palestinians. After the sentencing, "District Attorney Fran Chardo said at a news conference Tuesday that Balmer had expressed concern about the
war in Gaza (which followed the
October 7 attacks in 2023) and somehow saw the attack as a response to deaths in that conflict." On October 14, 2025, Balmer pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. Under a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison, with eligibility for parole beginning in April 2050. Balmer is currently incarcerated at
State Correctional Institution – Camp Hill, located near Harrisburg. == Responses ==