Pennsylvania Governor’s Home Set Ablaze, Suspect Arrested

A man has been charged with attempted murder, terrorism, and aggravated arson after breaking into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion early Sunday and setting a fire that forced Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests to evacuate.

Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg. According to state police, Balmer scaled a 7-foot iron security fence, evaded detection, and entered the residence with a homemade incendiary device, setting fire to a room where the Shapiro family had just held a Passover Seder. The blaze caused significant damage but resulted in no injuries.

Shapiro, considered a rising figure in the Democratic Party and a potential 2028 presidential contender, was in the mansion with his wife, four children, and guests at the time of the attack. Speaking at a press conference outside the charred remains of the mansion’s south wing, Shapiro said he was awakened around 2 a.m. by state troopers and evacuated immediately.

“If the goal was to stop me from doing my job or practicing my faith, it failed,” Shapiro declared. “We will not be intimidated by violence.”

Authorities said Balmer was inside the mansion for about a minute before fleeing. He was later arrested nearby. Police believe the attack was premeditated but have not disclosed a specific motive. Balmer has a criminal history, including prior charges for assault, theft, and forgery.

Federal agencies, including the Justice Department and FBI, have pledged support in the investigation, while political leaders across the spectrum have condemned the attack. Vice President JD Vance and former governors Mark Schweiker and Tom Ridge called the act cowardly and demanded accountability.

The mansion, which has housed Pennsylvania governors since the 1960s, sustained serious damage, particularly to the large entertainment room. An investigation remains ongoing.

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