Early on the morning of Sunday 13 April 2025, an arson suspect targeted his official home Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg. Governor Shapiro and his family members guests, guests and two dogs were evacuated shortly after 2 a.m. following Pennsylvania State Police alerted them to the fire. The Sun+5New York Post+5New York Magazine+5ABC+3Politico+3New York Magazine+3
Authorities have detained the 38 year old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg in connection to the incident. Balmer is facing multiple charges of attempted murder as well as terrorism, arson aggravated and assault. According to the investigators, Balmer allegedly breached the mansion’s security fencing, entered the home and then ignited the fire with homemade incendiary devices. The mansion was in flames for a mere minute before escaping the scene. The Sun+4New York Post+4Politico+4New York Magazine+3Politico+3WSJ+3WSJ
The fire did significant damage to the south wall of the Georgian mansion, specifically affecting a large public space used for gatherings and art exhibits. It was notable that the fire occurred just a few minutes in the aftermath of the Shapiro family had an Passover Seder in that very room. Governor Shapiro is Jewish was a frequent user of social media, and had posted an image of his Family’s Seder Table on his social networks earlier in the evening. New York Magazine+5The Sun+5Politico+5WSJ+5Politico+5New York Magazine+5CityNews Ottawa+3KZYX+3New York Post+3
The motive behind the attack is still being investigated, the authorities haven’t established if antisemitism was an important role. It is believed that the FBI as well as the Department of Justice are assisting in the ongoing investigation. New York Magazine
Governor Shapiro expressed his appreciation for the prompt intervention of law enforcement officers and first responders. He said, “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.” Shapiro emphasized that it is important to stand in solidarity with the community members who are in danger by stating, “Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities.” WSJ+5KZYX+5CityNews Ottawa+5ABC+1KZYX+1
Some prominent political figures, including ex- Pennsylvania governors Mark Schweiker and Tom Ridge have were in denial of the crime and pledged assistance for Shapiro’s family. Shapiro family. They also offered their support to the family. Pennsylvania State Police are leading the investigation and offer an anonymous $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of. Politico+1CityNews Ottawa+1The Sun+2CityNews Ottawa+2KZYX+2
The Governor’s Residence, which is located in 2035 North Front Street, has been home to eight governors of the state since its construction in 1968. Governor Shapiro is who is a Democrat who was elected 2022 has been viewed as to be a possible candidate for the presidential race of his party in 2028. KZYX+2New York Post+2CityNews Ottawa+2 CityNews Ottawa+2ABC+2New York Post+2
While investigations continue it has raised doubts regarding government security as well as the motives that could be behind these attacks.