A man from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was arrested after allegedly breaking into the home of Governor Josh Shapiro early Sunday morning and setting it on fire when the governor, his family members, and other guests were inside. No one was injured, though extensive damage to the historic home has been reported.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer, surrendered to police and is charged with multiple charges. Officials have confirmed that the fire was set just hours after the Shapiro family hosted a dinner at their residence.
Charges reportedly include arson and risking a catastrophe, among others. He is currently being held at Dauphin County Prison, with bail set at $250,000.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and Governor Shapiro and his family are safe. A spokesperson from the governor’s office confirmed that there was no immediate threat to the residence or its occupants.
The state fire marshal’s office, along with Harrisburg police, continues to look into the circumstances surrounding the event. Additional details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
Authorities confirmed that Balmer had evaded state troopers who were looking for him on the property. “He had a plan and carried it out systematically,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police.
After the incident, Balmer’s ex-partner called police and stated that Balmer had told him he had set the fire. Balmer went on to confess to police that he knew the governor and others were probably at home and that he would have attacked Shapiro if he had been caught.
Court documents show that Balmer is facing multiple charges, including a 2016 forgery charge and a 2023 assault charge. Authorities are focusing on pressing federal charges against him, and the FBI is assisting in the investigation.
Historic Building
The fire caused heavy damage to the governor’s official residence, a 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style building along the Susquehanna River that has housed Pennsylvania governors since 1968. Photos released by state officials show burnt walls, ruined furniture, and ash-covered floors.
Governor Shapiro spoke emotionally at a news conference, calling the attack a crime against his family and the people of Pennsylvania. He thanked law enforcement, firefighters, and the many supporters who reached out to him.
Citing recent threats and assaults on public leaders nationwide, the governor issued a forceful condemnation of political violence. “Violence like this is unacceptable,” he declared. “We must be superior to this.”
