A man was arrested Sunday after allegedly breaching security at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion and setting a fire that forced Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests to flee in the middle of the night. Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg, who is now facing multiple felony charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. Sunday, just hours after Shapiro and his family had hosted a Passover seder with members of Harrisburg's Jewish community. According to Pennsylvania State Police, Balmer scaled a nearly seven-foot iron fence surrounding the governor's residence, evaded security, broke into the building, and used a homemade incendiary device to ignite a fire in the room where the seder had taken place.
Lt. Col. George Bivens of the State Police said, "He actively evaded troopers who were here to secure the residence. While they were searching is when he attacked at the residence, broke in and set the fires." Balmer was reportedly inside the residence for about a minute before escaping. He was later arrested nearby.
No injuries were reported, but the fire caused significant damage to the south wing of the Susquehanna Riverfront mansion, a historic structure that has served as the governor's residence since the 1960s. Large windows were blown out, doors were left ajar, and charred debris-including a blackened piano and fire-damaged furnishings-could be seen through broken glass and smoke-stained walls.
Governor Shapiro, a Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, delivered emotional remarks at a press conference Sunday evening, condemning the attack while standing in front of the damaged section of the residence. "When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover," Shapiro said. "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 described being awakened by pounding on the door from state troopers. "Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished," Shapiro wrote on X earlier that day. "Last night, they did so for our family-and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe."
Authorities have not released a motive, but Shapiro stated, "This type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other... it has to stop. We have to be better than this."
Federal and state agencies, including the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office, have pledged support. Investigators cordoned off parts of the mansion grounds and removed a sawed-off section of the iron fence in heavy black plastic for analysis.
The incident prompted bipartisan condemnation. Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge called the attack "heartbreaking," while fellow Republican Mark Schweiker described it as a "despicable act of cowardice." GOP state party chairman Greg Rothman stated, "There is no place for violence, arson, and the destruction of property in our society."
The National Governors Association issued a joint statement from Chair Governor Jared Polis of Colorado and Vice Chair Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma. "Governors are not only public leaders but also parents, spouses, and neighbors," they wrote. "We are thankful for the swift actions of local first responders and emergency personnel who helped ensure everyone's safety."
Shapiro splits his time between the official residence and his family's private home in Abington, approximately 100 miles east of Harrisburg. A photograph he posted Saturday night showed the seder table, set just hours before the fire.
Authorities had initially offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. That reward is no longer active following Balmer's capture. State police continue to investigate, including whether Balmer acted alone and what materials were used in the incendiary device.
