A man was arrested after allegedly setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion as Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside early Sunday morning.
At a press conference Sunday evening, authorities named 38-year-old Cody Balmer as the suspect.
Balmer will be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person, according to officials.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens told reporters on Sunday that Balmer hopped a fence before the incident, which took place at around 2:00 a.m.
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“He actively evaded troopers who were here to secure the residence,” the official explained. “While [police] were searching is when he attacked at the residence, [and] broke in and set the fires.”
“So that was all playing out over a period of several minutes. It was a very quick event that occurred, and, and again, troopers were actively searching for him at the time,” Bivens added.
The fire broke out overnight after Shapiro, considered a potential presidential contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, and his family celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover.
At the Sunday press conference, Shapiro denounced the arson in a set of emotional remarks.
“This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” the politician said. “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.”
Earlier on Sunday, Shapiro posted on X that he and his family awoke at about 2 a.m. to police banging on their door after “an arsonist set fire” to the governor’s 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 towards 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.”
No one was injured, and the fire was extinguished, police said, adding that the fire caused significant damage to a portion of the residence.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson,” police said.
Before Balmer’s arrest, police offered a $10,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the fire.
In a statement, Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Greg Rothman also denounced the incident.
“I know I speak for all Republicans in saying we are grateful that Governor Shapiro, his family and mansion staff are safe,” Rothman said Sunday. “Thank you to the Harrisburg Fire Department, PA State Police and all of the emergency services personnel for their hard work and dedication.”
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“If it is determined that this was a criminal act, those responsible should face swift justice,” Rothman added. “There is no place for violence, arson, and the destruction of property in our society.”
The National Governors Association (NGA) also reacted to the alleged arson attack, extending support to the Shapiro family “as they recover from this distressing event.”
“We strongly condemn all acts of violence and ask our citizens to rise above these kinds of destructive actions,” a statement from NGA Chair Governor Jared Polis of Colorado and Vice Chair Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma said. “Governors are not only public leaders but also parents, spouses, and neighbors. Incidents like this remind us of the very real challenges government officials and their families can face. We are thankful for the swift actions of local first responders and emergency personnel who helped ensure everyone’s safety.”
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