A 38-year-old man has been arrested and is expected to face multiple charges following a suspected arson attack at the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, authorities confirmed.
Cody Balmer is facing serious charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning when Governor Shapiro—widely seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party and a potential future presidential contender—was awakened by emergency responders banging on his door as flames spread through the residence.
Governor Reacts to the Attack
At a press conference later that day, Shapiro appeared visibly emotional as he recalled the terrifying experience. Fortunately, he and his family were able to evacuate safely, although their home in Harrisburg, the state capital, sustained significant damage.
“I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night,” Shapiro told reporters.
The arson came just hours after Shapiro and his family had celebrated the first night of Passover, a major Jewish holiday.
“When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover,” he said, noting that Balmer’s motives remain unclear.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
Authorities say the suspect had a homemade incendiary device and managed to breach security by hopping a fence surrounding the residence. Police believe he entered the home and intentionally set the fire.
The blaze, which was eventually extinguished, caused “a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence,” according to state officials.
Fortunately, the governor and his family were in a different section of the 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion, built in 1968 and home to eight governors over the years.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire led efforts to put out the flames while law enforcement focused on safely evacuating the family. Authorities had offered a $10,000 (£7,600) reward for information leading to an arrest, though it is currently unclear if a tip led to Balmer’s capture. He remains in custody.
Background on Governor Shapiro
Governor Shapiro and his wife, Lori, have four children: Sophia, Jonah, Max, and Reuben.
Before being elected governor in 2023, Shapiro served as Pennsylvania’s attorney general. He was briefly considered as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential bid, though she ultimately chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
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