HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police, and broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion where he set a fire that left significant damage and forced Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests to evacuate the building, authorities said Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, was arrested later in the day and is expected to face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
The fire broke out early Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, just hours after Shapiro and his family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover at the governor’s official residence in the state capital. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the fire was extinguished by the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire.
According to police, Balmer hopped over a nearly 7-foot-high (2.1-meter-high) iron security fence surrounding the property and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire. He was inside the building for about a minute before escaping, police said.
At a Sunday evening news conference in front of the badly damaged south wing of the governor’s residence, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris detailed the suspect’s actions. Balmer reportedly had a homemade incendiary device, which he used to ignite the fire. The blaze caused significant damage to the interior of the residence, particularly in the room where the Shapiro family had gathered for their Passover Seder.
“When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover,” Shapiro reflected during the press conference. “I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night. I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love.”
The governor shared that he, his wife Lori, their four children, and two dogs were asleep in a different part of the residence when the fire broke out. They were awakened by state troopers banging on their doors around 2 a.m. and quickly evacuated as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.
“This type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” Shapiro stated emphatically. “I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another. It is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
Authorities have not disclosed Balmer’s motive for the attack, but they emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Shapiro noted that he had received pledges of assistance from the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s office, as well as messages of support from fellow governors and other officials.
Vice President JD Vance expressed relief that the Shapiro family was unharmed, calling the incident “really disgusting violence,” and former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker condemned the attack as a “despicable act of cowardice.”
Shapiro, who is seen as a potential presidential contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said that he will not be deterred from his work as a leader of the commonwealth. “I will not be afraid to do that work,” he affirmed.
The governor’s residence, a 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style home built in the 1960s, has housed eight governors and their families. It sits along the Susquehanna River and is often used for official events and gatherings.
In the aftermath of the fire, Shapiro shared a photo on social media of the family’s Passover Seder table, expressing gratitude for the support they have received. “Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and the messages of support that we’ve received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United States,” he said.
As the investigation continues, Pennsylvania State Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction related to the fire. They encourage anyone with information to call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).
Shapiro splits his time between the governor’s mansion and a home in Abington, located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east. The attack on his family has sparked a wider conversation about safety and violence directed at public officials.
“We have to be better than this,” Shapiro reiterated, calling for a collective responsibility to address the growing trend of violence in society. “It’s becoming far too common, and it has to stop.”
As of now, Balmer remains in custody, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, seeking to unravel the specifics of his actions and any underlying motives.
The fire at the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by public officials and the need for increased security measures in an era where targeted violence is increasingly prevalent.
