A 38-year-old man has been taken into custody in connection with a fire deliberately set at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence while the governor and his family were sleeping inside. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the arson that occurred overnight, resulting in significant damage to the building. State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris announced at a news conference on Sunday that Cody Balmer from Harrisburg had been arrested. While Balmer has not yet been formally charged, potential charges could include attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against a specific individual, according to officials at the news conference.
The suspect reportedly scaled a fence surrounding the residence before starting the fire. Governor Josh Shapiro stated during the conference that the attack was “targeted,” although the specific motive remains unknown. Despite the incident, the governor expressed his determination to continue his work and practice his faith openly, mentioning that he and his family had celebrated the first night of Passover before the fire took place.
Shapiro also shared that he and his family were awakened by Pennsylvania State Police after the arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, but they were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. Another family residing in the house was also safely evacuated.
Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that the incident was an act of arson and the FBI’s Philadelphia field office is assisting in the investigation. Governor Shapiro, 51, who was elected in 2022, condemned the violence as an attack not only on his family but on the entire state of Pennsylvania. Despite the traumatic event, he emphasized his commitment to working for the people of Pennsylvania.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded to the fire early Sunday morning, causing significant damage to a part of the residence. Authorities announced a reward of up to $10,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday expressed his relief that the governor and his family were unharmed in the incident.
“The post states that they are prepared with all necessary resources to identify the perpetrator of this senseless act of violence,” according to CNN. This report includes contributions from CNN’s Danny Freeman. To access more CNN news and newsletters, sign up at CNN.com.
