April 13 – A shocking and disturbing incident unfolded early Sunday morning when a man allegedly broke into the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and ignited a fire while the governor and his family were asleep inside. The act of arson caused significant damage to the historic mansion and left the community and officials rattled.
According to state authorities, the suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg. He is accused of breaching the security perimeter, breaking into the governor’s residence, and setting the fire that forced an emergency evacuation. Governor Shapiro, his wife Lori, their four children, their two dogs, and another family were all safely evacuated by state police officers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Fire Breaks Out in the Dead of Night
Governor Shapiro recounted that around 2 a.m., his family was abruptly awakened by a pounding on the front door. A state trooper on duty had been alerting the household after discovering the fire had broken out. According to officials, Balmer managed to jump the perimeter fence of the property and entered the home before lighting the blaze.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens stated that Balmer was inside the residence for less than a minute and was actively avoiding security personnel during that time. “He definitely came prepared and carried out his actions in a calculated manner,” Bivens stated during a news briefing.
Officials also revealed that Balmer was carrying homemade incendiary devices, adding a chilling layer to the attack. Audio recordings from emergency communications confirmed that a large fire was spotted on the first floor of the residence, with flames visible through the windows.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded quickly and extinguished the fire while state troopers safely evacuated everyone inside. The residence sustained heavy damage, especially on the lower level.
Prior Offenses and Legal Consequences
In addition to this most recent incident, Balmer is no stranger to the legal system. He is scheduled to appear in court soon for a separate case involving a 2023 charge of simple assault. Court documents reveal that he admitted guilt in a 2016 case involving forgery and deceptive theft offenses.
Prosecutors have stated they plan to pursue multiple serious charges against Balmer, such as attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. As the case develops, there’s also a chance that federal charges could be brought against him.
State authorities are working in collaboration with federal agencies to evaluate all aspects of the case. Officials also noted that a full security review is underway to strengthen protocols and prevent future incidents of this nature.
The Aftermath: A Damaged Symbol of State History
The Pennsylvania governor’s residence, a Georgian-style structure completed in 1968, is a prominent landmark located along the Susquehanna River. Home to the state’s governors for more than five decades, the 29,000-square-foot mansion not only serves as a residence but also features art exhibits and ceremonial spaces.
Photos taken after the fire show extensive damage: charred walls and ceilings, destroyed furniture, and soot-covered rooms. In a particularly emotional detail, remnants of the Shapiro family’s Passover dinner remained in the damaged dining area — a sign reading “Passover Crafts” still visible amid the destruction.
Shapiro Speaks Out: “We Will Not Be Deterred”
During an emotional news conference held later that day, Governor Shapiro addressed the media and the public. Visibly shaken, he condemned the act as not just an attack on his family, but on the entire state of Pennsylvania.
“I refuse to let this act of violence stop me from doing my job,” Shapiro said. “If someone thought this would intimidate or silence us, they have miscalculated.”
The governor expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support from across the country. Political leaders, including Vice President JD Vance and Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, publicly denounced the attack and offered their support to Shapiro and his family.
Shapiro also took a firm stand against political violence, drawing attention to the growing threats public officials face across the nation. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable, no matter your political beliefs,” he said. “It’s time for all of us to unite and say enough is enough.”
A Message of Faith and Resilience
A proud member of the Jewish community, Shapiro spoke about the personal significance of the timing of the incident. The fire came just hours after the family celebrated the Passover Seder with loved ones. Despite the emotional toll, Shapiro said his family would continue their celebration without fear.
“If this was an attempt to scare us to terrorize my family, our guests, and the broader Jewish community — let me be clear: it failed,” he said. “We honored Passover with pride last night, and we’ll come together to celebrate it again this evening.”
He concluded his remarks by reaffirming his commitment to serving the people of Pennsylvania with resilience and courage. “This only makes us stronger,” he said. “We will rise from this, together.”
The investigation is still active, and officials are encouraging anyone who may have further details to step forward. As Pennsylvania reflects on this unsettling event, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety and security of public officials and restoring peace within the community.