A 38-year-old man has been arrested following a suspected arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg. The governor and his family were safely evacuated, while authorities say the suspect may face terrorism and attempted murder charges.
Police in Pennsylvania have arrested Cody Balmer, 38, in connection with an arson fire that broke out early Sunday morning at Governor Josh Shapiro’s home in Harrisburg. The blaze caused significant damage to the residence, which is located about 100 miles west of Philadelphia.
Emergency officials confirmed that Governor Shapiro, his wife, their four children, and two family dogs were safely evacuated.
According to Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police, the suspect climbed over a fence, forcibly entered the home, and set it on fire using homemade incendiary devices. “He clearly had a plan,” Bivens said. “He was very methodical in his approach.”
Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo stated that Balmer is expected to face multiple charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. The FBI’s Philadelphia division is assisting with the investigation, and federal charges may also be filed.
Governor Shapiro, 51, addressed the media later that day, calling the act a “targeted attack,” although the specific motive remains unclear. The incident occurred during the Jewish holiday of Passover.
“If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night proudly, and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover,” Shapiro said.
The governor emphasized that no act of violence would deter him or his family from practicing their faith or fulfilling their public responsibilities. “I’m not fearful,” he stated. “This was not just an attack on our family — it was an attack on the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
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