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Authorities in Pennsylvania have announced the arrest of an arsonist who allegedly broke into the Governor’s Residence and set a fire while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside.
Getting into it: Pennsylvania State Police have confirmed the arrest of 38-year-old Cody Balmer in connection with a suspected arson attack on the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg early Sunday morning. Authorities say Balmer jumped over a security fence surrounding the property, forcibly entered the mansion, and used homemade incendiary devices to start a fire while Governor Josh Shapiro, his wife, their four children, two dogs, and extended family were inside. The blaze broke out around 2 AM and caused significant damage to a portion of the building. No injuries were reported, and the fire was quickly put out.
Balmer, a resident of Harrisburg with a prior criminal record, is expected to be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. He has a pending plea hearing related to a 2023 simple assault case and was previously convicted in 2016 on charges of forgery and theft by deception. Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police stated that the suspect acted with clear intent: “He clearly had a plan. He was very methodical in his approach.”
The incident has now led to additional security protocols being implemented at the Governor’s Residence and to his security detail.
During a press conference, Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the public with a mix of resolve and emotion, expressing thanks to first responders and vowing not to be intimidated. “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished. If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as your Governor, rest assured, I will find a way to work even harder than I was just yesterday for the good people of Pennsylvania.”
Referring to the fact that the attack took place just hours after a Passover celebration in the Residence, Shapiro added, “If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community… hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night proudly, and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover.”
Public officials across the political spectrum condemned the attack. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated on X, “I am deeply relieved that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe, thankful for the first responders who arrived on the scene, and applaud the police work that resulted in an arrest just hours ago.”
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, calling the incident “really disgusting violence.” He added, “Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack… I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.”
