The governor and his family are safe and uninjured, state police say.
Authorities in Pennsylvania have apprehended a suspect believed to have set fire to the official residence of Gov. Josh Shapiro while he and his family were asleep early Sunday morning. The Pennsylvania state police reported that the individual is in custody and is expected to face charges of attempted murder and terrorism.
The suspect was identified by state police Col. Christopher Paris as 38-year-old Cody Balmer, of Harrisburg.
According to officials, the suspect, identified as Balmer, managed to enter the governor’s residence undetected by state troopers who were investigating a breach on the premises. Once inside, Balmer allegedly ignited a fire using a homemade incendiary device, as disclosed by Lt. Col. George Bivens.
Although formal charges have not yet been filed against Balmer, District Attorney Francis Chardo mentioned that pending counts include attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
Balmer’s alleged motive for the act was unclear.
“If he was trying to deter me, I will find a way to work even harder,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro and his family are safe and uninjured. They were in a different part of the Governor’s Residence on North Front Street in Harrisburg when the fire was set around 2 a.m. while Shapiro and his family slept.
The fire was successfully extinguished, but it caused significant damage to a portion of the residence.
It was unclear Sunday if authorities have any suspects in mind or what the potential motive may be.
“The investigation is active and ongoing,” said Sgt. Logan T. Brouse, a state police spokesman. “All avenues will be explored.”
Shapiro and state police leadership plan to brief members of the press later this afternoon.
Shaprio, who is in his first term, is widely seen as an up-and-comer in Democratic politics. He was nearly on former Vice President Kamala Harris’ ticket for the White House in 2024. Harris ultimately decided on going with Tim Walz.
The fire broke out hours after Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of Passover at the governor’s official residence in Harrisburg, the Associated Press reported. He posted a photograph of his family Passover table on social media at 6:07 p.m.
Eight hours later, Shapiro woke to state troopers banging on his door to raise the alarm that fire had broken out, he said in a statement. He and his family were evacuated while Harrisburg firefighters quelled the fire. No one was hurt.
“Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities,” Shapiro said. “Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”
The state police is spearheading a multi-agency investigation, they said in a statement. A $10,000 reward is offered for information.
“The preliminary details about last night’s arson attack at the Governor’s Residence are beyond disturbing, and I condemn this, and every act of political violence, in the strongest terms,” said Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper.
Republican Representative Rob Bresnahan likewise condemned “violent attacks” against others for political reasons as “abhorrent and unacceptable.”
“Those responsible must be brought to justice,” Bresnahan said.
The state Democratic Party said in a statement it was “heartbroken” but grateful Shapiro and his family are safe.
“No family should have to wake up to that kind of fear, especially just hours after celebrating the first night of Passover,” read a statement on social media.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis said, “targeting elected officials and their family members with violence is never acceptable,” though added he would not speculate on motives.
“These sorts of acts deter good people from pursing public service at a time when we desperately need more Americans to participate in our democracy,” Davis said.
Anyone with information was asked to call 1-800-4PA-TIPS.
