A 38-year-old man has been taken into custody after an alleged arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Cody Balmer faces several formidable charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. His arrest follows a dramatic incident where the governor and his family were awakened in the middle of the night as fire engulfed parts of their home in Harrisburg, after celebrating Passover.
During a press conference, Governor Shapiro expressed his emotional turmoil, yet he asserted his determination not to be affected by the attack. He shared that his family, including his four children, was fortunate to evacuate safely from the property, which suffered extensive damage. "I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night," he stated.
The suspect, Balmer, was reported to have a homemade incendiary device when arrested nearby. Investigators believe he managed to breach the property’s fence and start the fire. This attack led law enforcement to issue a reward of $10,000 for information that would assist in an arrest.
While the motives behind Balmer's actions remain unclear, Shapiro had recently hosted his family for a Passover celebration, just hours before the fire incident. Pennsylvania's Governor’s Residence, which dates back to 1968 and covers 29,000 square feet, has served as the home for eight governors. Shapiro, who took office earlier in 2023 after serving as attorney general, has been discussed as a potential contender for national office.
