Man Arrested After Setting Fire to Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion While Governor and Family Slept

Governor Shapiro, Family Safe After Shocking Overnight Fire Incident

HARRISBURG, Pa. — In a frightening incident early Sunday morning, a man broke into the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and started a fire while the governor, his family, and guests were sleeping inside. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

State police confirmed that the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer from Harrisburg, was arrested later the same day and will face several serious charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and assault.

Fire Breaks Out After Suspect Jumps Security Fence

According to authorities, Balmer jumped over a 7-foot-high iron security fence around the governor’s mansion sometime around 2:00 a.m. He managed to slip past security, break into the building, and set fire to a large room inside the residence.

The fire broke out in the same room where Governor Shapiro and his family had hosted a Passover Seder just hours earlier. Troopers quickly alerted everyone inside, and the governor, his wife, their four children, and their two dogs, along with visiting guests, safely evacuated the building.

Quick Response Prevents Injuries, But Damage Is Severe

Firefighters were able to put out the flames, but not before major damage was done to the south wing of the residence. Photos from the scene show shattered windows, burned walls, and a charred piano, along with damaged furniture and decor inside the once elegant room.

Authorities said the suspect had a homemade firebomb but didn’t give more details. He was inside the mansion for about one minute before escaping. He was later arrested in the area by police.

Governor Shapiro: “I Refuse to Be Silenced”

During a press conference outside the damaged building, a calm but emotional Governor Shapiro said that violence like this is unacceptable and must end. He also said he would not be scared or stopped by the attack.

“If the goal was to stop me from doing my job, I promise you, I will work harder,” said Shapiro. “We told the story of freedom last night during our Passover celebration. I will not be trapped by fear or hate.”

Shapiro is considered a rising star in the Democratic Party and a possible candidate for the 2028 U.S. Presidential election.

Investigation Ongoing, Motive Still Unknown

Police are still investigating the motive behind the attack. Officials said Balmer had a history of criminal activity, including charges of theft, assault, and forgery over the last 10 years. His most recent listed home in Harrisburg was reportedly condemned in 2022.

So far, no details have been shared about whether Balmer had help, or whether the attack was politically or religiously motivated.

Strong Support from Officials and the Public

The shocking event drew attention and concern from leaders across the country. Vice President JD Vance posted on social media, saying, “Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack. Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.”

Former Governor Mark Schweiker, a Republican, also expressed his support, calling the act a “despicable act of cowardice” and offering prayers for the Shapiro family.

The Department of Justice, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have all offered support for the investigation.

Security Fence Damaged, Evidence Collected

Investigators worked throughout the day collecting evidence. They sawed off a piece of the security fence that Balmer is believed to have climbed, wrapped it in black plastic, and took it away for further analysis.

Yellow caution tape now surrounds the area, and the south-facing alley of the residence has been blocked off as the investigation continues.

A Home Meant for Family and Service

The governor’s mansion, built in the 1960s, has been home to every Pennsylvania governor since then. Shapiro splits his time between this residence and his family home in Abington, located about 100 miles east of Harrisburg.

Just one day before the attack, Shapiro had shared a warm photo of his family’s Passover Seder table inside the mansion. The same room where the meal took place is now blackened and broken after the fire.

“We Have to Be Better Than This”

Governor Shapiro ended his public statement with a strong message about peace and unity.

“This kind of violence is becoming far too common,” he said. “I don’t care which political side it comes from. It’s not OK. And it must stop. We have to be better than this.”

As investigations move forward and more information becomes available, one thing is clear: this attack will not silence Governor Shapiro or stop him from doing his work for the people of Pennsylvania.

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This information is sourced from AP News