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Man Arrested for Allegedly Setting Fire to Pennsylvania Governor's Residence
A man has been taken into custody for allegedly setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s residence early Sunday morning, while Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests were inside the home.
The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, was arrested shortly after the fire broke out. The incident occurred just hours after the governor hosted a Passover dinner at the official residence.
Fortunately, no one was injured, but the historic building suffered extensive damage.
Fire Breaks Out as Governor and Family Slept
According to Governor Shapiro, his family was woken around 2 a.m. by a state trooper banging on the door. Police say Balmer jumped the security fence, broke into the residence, and intentionally started the fire using what appeared to be homemade incendiary devices.
He was inside the building for less than a minute before escaping into the grounds, evading state troopers already on the scene.
Audio from emergency radio communications reveals someone called in a “large fire on the first floor” with flames visible through the windows. Firefighters from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded quickly and extinguished the blaze.
What Charges Is the Suspect Facing?
State prosecutors said they plan to charge Balmer with multiple serious offenses, including:
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Attempted murder
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Terrorism
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Aggravated arson
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Aggravated assault
The FBI is now assisting with the investigation, and federal charges are also being considered. Officials emphasized that the suspect acted methodically and appeared to have planned the attack.
Previous Criminal History and Upcoming Court Hearing
Court records show Balmer has a criminal past, including a 2016 conviction for forgery and theft, and a pending simple assault case from 2023. He is scheduled to appear in court for a plea hearing this week.
Authorities are now reviewing how security at the governor’s residence could be improved to prevent similar incidents.
Governor Shapiro Condemns Attack, Emphasizes Faith and Resilience
Speaking emotionally at a press conference, Governor Shapiro said the attack was not just against his family but “against the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
He called the incident targeted, though the exact motive remains unknown.
Shapiro vowed not to be intimidated, saying,
“If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as your governor, rest assured, I will work even harder.”
The governor also highlighted his pride in his Jewish heritage, noting that his family had just celebrated Passover when the attack occurred.
“We will not be deterred from celebrating our faith openly and proudly,” he said.
Significant Damage to a Historic Residence
Photos released by state officials show the inside of the governor’s home charred and covered in ash. The fire left walls, furniture, and décor severely damaged, including remnants from the Passover celebration still visible among the wreckage.
The Governor's Residence, built in 1968, is a 29,000 square-foot Georgian-style home located along the Susquehanna River. It has housed eight governors and is also used to display state art and cultural exhibits.
