Authorities apprehended a suspect early Sunday morning following a deliberately set fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside.
Cody Balmer, 38, has been identified as the individual responsible and faces a litany of serious charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault targeting an enumerated person. Officials confirmed these impending charges at a Sunday evening press conference.
The incident occurred in the aftermath of the first night of Passover, a significant Jewish holiday that Gov. Shapiro and his family had celebrated.
Shapiro shared details of the harrowing experience on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he and his family were awakened around 2:00 AM by law enforcement after an “arsonist set fire” to their residence.
“Thank God no one was injured, and the fire was extinguished,” Shapiro wrote. “Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run toward danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”
Emergency services responded to reports of a fire at the Harrisburg residence around 2:00 AM. While no injuries were reported, significant damage was sustained in a portion of the mansion.
According to State Police, “While the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson.”
During the press conference, Gov. Shapiro delivered a passionate condemnation of the attack, stating:
“This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another. It is not okay and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
Prior to Balmer’s arrest, law enforcement had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Shapiro, often discussed as a potential Democratic contender for higher office in 2028, has previously stated his pride in his Jewish heritage.
