Authorities in Pennsylvania have arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with a suspected arson that damaged the governor’s residence early Sunday morning.
Suspect in Custody After Fire at Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence
During a press conference, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris confirmed that Cody Balmer had been taken into custody following the fire that broke out around 2 a.m. at the official home of Governor Josh Shapiro (D). The incident reportedly woke Shapiro’s family and caused significant damage to part of the property.
Governor Shapiro described the moment in a post on X, stating, “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.”
Investigation Expands to Include Terrorism, Attempted Murder
Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo detailed the range of charges being pursued against the suspect, which include attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
“These are all very serious charges, as with any charges, the defendant is presumed innocent,” Chardo said. “We will file those charges within the next several hours.”
Shapiro, also present at the press conference, expressed determination in the face of the alleged attack. “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 just yesterday for the good people of Pennsylvania.”
He added, “The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.”
Leaders Across Government Condemn Attack
The alleged arson has sparked widespread condemnation from officials across the political spectrum.
Chief Justice Debra Todd of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court spoke out on behalf of the court, calling the act “heinous.”
“My colleagues and I share the disbelief and outrage felt by all Pennsylvanians following the heinous attack on Governor Shapiro’s family at his residence last evening,” she said. “Acts of violence targeting our communities, neighbors, first responders and public officials are a stark reminder of the need for us to come together to reject hate and stand in solidarity and support for the institutions that unite us as Pennsylvanians.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) also weighed in, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Josh Shapiro and his family following the horrific arson attack on their residence. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable and it is especially unconscionable to attack a Jewish family during the first night of Passover. Everyone responsible must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi offered praise for the swift response by law enforcement, posting, “I am deeply relieved that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe, thankful for the first responders who arrived on the scene, and applaud the police work that resulted in an arrest just hours ago.”
As the investigation continues, authorities have signaled that more details will be released as formal charges are filed.
