Attempted Arson at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence: One in Custody Amid Ongoing Investigation

Hadisur Rahman, Jadetimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

---

Image Source: Capital City Fire Photos

In a deeply troubling incident early Sunday morning, a fire was deliberately set at the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg. Authorities have confirmed that one person, identified as Cody Balmer, 38, is in custody and is facing multiple serious charges in connection to the attack.

At approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday, state police responded swiftly to reports of a fire at the Governor’s Mansion. Governor Shapiro later stated on social media that his family was awakened by banging on their door as authorities alerted them to the emergency. Fortunately, no one in the family was injured, and the fire was quickly extinguished.

According to Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police, the suspect, Balmer, forcibly entered the property after scaling a fence and was inside the home for less than a minute before setting the fire. The entire event unfolded in just a few minutes. Authorities believe this was a targeted and methodically planned attack, with Balmer acting alone and evading troopers who were actively searching the premises during the incident.

Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo confirmed that Balmer will be charged with:

⦁ Attempted murder

⦁ Terrorism

⦁ Aggravated arson

⦁ Aggravated assault against an enumerated person

Chardo also indicated that federal charges may follow, and investigators have recovered homemade incendiary devices in Balmer’s possession. Though the motive remains unclear, the attack is being treated as a serious threat with potential implications for state and federal security.

The incident is under multiagency investigation, and Pennsylvania State Police have announced a $10,000 reward for any information related to the case.

Prior Criminal History of the Suspect

Court records reveal that Balmer has a prior criminal record in Pennsylvania, including:

⦁ Guilty pleas to forgery and theft in 2015 and again in 2016

⦁ An ongoing assault case from 2023

Attempts to reach the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office for comment were unsuccessful as of Sunday evening.

Community Response and Concerns

Governor Shapiro, a Democrat elected in 2022 and a prominent political figure in national discussions, expressed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders. He emphasized the need to stand united against violence, regardless of political or personal affiliations.

“I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other... it is not OK and it has to stop,” Shapiro stated at the news conference.

Local residents were also shaken by the attack, especially given its timing during Passover, a significant Jewish holiday. Shapiro had shared a photo of his family’s Seder table just hours before the fire.

Neighbor Beth Beene expressed her distress, saying, “The fact that this happened on a high religious holiday, specifically with our Jewish governor, is really scary.”

Damage and Visuals from the Scene

Photos from the scene depict smoke pouring from the windows of the brick home, with visible charring and soot on the exterior. Interior photos show significant fire damage, including completely burned furniture near the windows.

A Call for Unity and Vigilance

Governor Shapiro closed his remarks by reaffirming his commitment to celebrating his faith and protecting all Pennsylvanians:

“No one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.”

This incident not only raises questions about security protocols at high-level government residences, but also adds to a growing national conversation around political violence, religious intolerance, and extremism.

As investigations continue, the public is encouraged to come forward with any information that may assist authorities.