A Pennsylvania man has been arrested and charged after allegedly setting fire the governor, Josh Shapiro’s mansion early Sunday morning while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside.
Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Cody Balmer during a Sunday evening press conference. Balmer is facing a slew of serious charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault on a protected official.
The alleged attack occurred just after 2 a.m., shortly after Gov. Shapiro and his family had observed the first night of Passover. According to Shapiro, he and his family were jolted awake by law enforcement banging on their door as flames erupted outside the residence in Harrisburg.
“Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” Shapiro posted on X. “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.”
Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were…
The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that both firefighters and officers responded around 2 a.m. and were able to quickly put out the blaze. Although no one was hurt, officials said the fire caused considerable damage to parts of the governor’s residence.
“This was an act of arson,” the Pennsylvania State Police said, noting that the investigation is still ongoing but that enough evidence was gathered to support the charge.
The motive behind the attack has not yet been disclosed, but the inclusion of terrorism and attempted murder charges suggests a deliberate and politically motivated act.
Governor Shapiro, considered by many to be a rising star within the Democratic Party and a potential presidential contender in 2028, condemned the violence in passionate remarks during Sunday’s press briefing.
“This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” Shapiro 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. It is not okay and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
Prior to Balmer’s arrest, police had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the crime.
Officials say Balmer is currently in custody and will face prosecution under both state and federal statutes, as authorities continue to examine whether additional threats or accomplices may be involved.