A man was arrested and faced charges, including attempted murder, terrorism and arson in a morning fire, which seriously damaged the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion and forced Governor Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to escape quickly.
Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family celebrated the Jewish Passover holiday with their family on Saturday, awakened them at about 2 a.m. Saturday, and they were evacuated and the fire was evacuated. No one was injured.
Pennsylvania Police Colonel Christopher Paris identified the man as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg. Paris stressed at a press conference on Sunday afternoon that the investigation is continuing.
Dove County District Attorney Francis Chardo said the upcoming charges will include attempted murder, terrorism, attempted arson and aggravated attacks.
Authorities said the suspect jumped over the surrounding fence and forced into the residence and set fire. Deputy Commissioner George Bivens said the suspect had a homemade combustion device and escaped police officers who knew of the violation. Bivens said the attack seemed to have been carefully planned.
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Balmer was later arrested in the area, Bevins said.
The governor said the Harrisburg Fire Bureau was called to the residence and police evacuated Shapiro and others as they worked to put out the fire.
Shapiro said the fire happened in the room celebrating Passover with Seder on Saturday night.
“I’m obviously excited,” Shapiro said. “Last night we told the Passover story,” he said. “I refused to be bothered by someone trying to attack us like last night to tie me up.”
State police did not provide additional details about the cause of the fire in the Susquehanna Riverside Building, but he said it caused “severe damage” to a part of the home. Police said Shapiro and his family have been sleeping in another part of the residence.
Shapiro, who was seen as a potential contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he received help from the Justice Department, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as support from other governors and others.
Fire was visible on the south side of the residence on Sunday, mainly in a large room often used for entertainment crowds and art displays. The large window facing the west completely missed the glass pane, and the door stood Ajar in the signs of burnt.
While the police were present, investigators observed losses inside, while a police officer took a dog outside the iron safety fence, and then the investigators saw a portion of it from the top of the security fence on the south side of the residence. They wrapped it in heavy black plastic and took it away.
Shapiro has been allocating his time between mansions since the Governor built in the 1960s, while the house in Abington, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) to the east. He posted a photo on social media Saturday and a photo on the Passover Sed table at his residence last Saturday.
Former Republican Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker called the attack a “despicable act of cowardice” and said he hopes Pennsylvanians join him and his wife to keep Shapiros praying.
Former Governor Tom Ridge, also a Republican, said the damaged image of the residence he had lived with his family for eight years was “heartbreaking” and said the attack on the official residence was shocking.
“The people responsible for this attack – both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth must be considered,” Richie said.
& Copy 2025 Canadian Press
