A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an arson attack at the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, which forced the governor and his family to evacuate in the early hours of Sunday, April 13.The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded to the blaze around 2 a.m. and quickly extinguished it. However, the fire caused significant damage to the historic residence, according to Pennsylvania State Police.Governor Shapiro, along with his wife, their four children, two dogs, and another visiting family, was safely evacuated from the building.
The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer of Harrisburg, was arrested on Sunday. While he has not yet been formally charged, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo said Balmer will face several serious charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against a public official. Federal charges may also follow.According to authorities, Balmer had homemade incendiary devices with him and allegedly jumped a fence, entered the governors residence, and set the fire. Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police described the attack as targeted and methodical, although the specific motive remains unclear.
Photos released by the state show the aftermath of the fire, with parts of the house charred, furniture destroyed, and walls blackened. Remnants of the Shapiro familys Passover dinner, hosted the night before, were still visible among the damage.Governor Shapiro addressed the public in a statement later that day, vowing not to be intimidated by the incident. If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as your governor, rest assured, I will find a way to work even harder than I was, Shapiro said. He also emphasized his pride in his Jewish heritage:If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last nighthear me on this: we celebrated our faith proudly, and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover. No one will deter me, my family, or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly. Last night at the Governors Residence, we experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.This kind of violence has become far too common in our society, and it has to stop. pic.twitter.com/5HP5JSvgfc Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025Balmer has a criminal history, including a guilty plea in 2016 to forgery and theft by deception. He was also due in court this week in a separate case related to a 2023 simple assault charge.State and federal authorities, including the FBIs Philadelphia field office, are now involved in the investigation. A security review is also underway to prevent similar incidents in the future. Shapiro thanked law enforcement and first responders for their swift action: 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 familyand Lori and I are eternally grateful. Political leaders across the country expressed their support. Vice President JD Vance condemned the attack as really disgusting violence, and Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman called it truly appalling. Former Governor Tom Ridge also weighed in, writing that all of us should feel safe in our homesespecially when that home is our states official residence. The post Pennsylvania governor JoshShapiro and family forced to evacuate followingarson at his house (photos/video) appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
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