HARRISBURG, PA – A 38-year-old mechanic, identified as Cody Balmer of Harrisburg, was arrested in connection with an overnight arson attack at the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, authorities confirmed Sunday.
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. ET, while Gov. Shapiro and his family were inside. Fortunately, they were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
Molotov Cocktail Allegedly Used in Targeted Attack
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that Balmer allegedly used a Molotov cocktail to start the blaze. The motivation behind the attack appears to be politically and potentially religiously motivated, with officials not ruling out Shapiro’s Jewish faith as a factor.
Charges to Include Attempted Murder and Terrorism
At a press conference, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo announced that charges expected to be filed against Balmer include:
- Attempted Murder
- Terrorism
- Aggravated Arson
- Aggravated Assault Against an Enumerated Person
Suspect Expressed Anti-Democrat Sentiments Online
Sources said Balmer had posted grievances about the Democratic Party on social media, allegedly driven by financial frustrations. Authorities are also investigating whether mental health concerns played a role.
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Governor Responds: “This Was a Targeted Attack”
In a public address, Governor Shapiro called the incident a “targeted” attack and emphasized that such political violence has no place in society:
“We do know that this attack was targeted… this type of violence is not okay,” said Shapiro. “I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other.”
Timeline of the Incident
According to Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens, the suspect:
- Jumped a fence around the governor’s residence
- Evaded troopers while on the property
- Set fires inside the home before being apprehended
- Left behind evidence currently being tested for DNA
Investigators later cut off part of the fence for forensic examination.
Shapiro: “We Will Not Be Deterred”
Just hours before the attack, Shapiro had posted a Passover message on social media. He later said:
“If he was trying to terrorize my family, my friends… hear me on this: we celebrated our faith proudly. No one will deter me from celebrating my faith openly and proudly.”
Governor, Family Safe; Investigation Ongoing
In an earlier statement, Shapiro said:
“My family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg… Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.”
State police confirmed the fire caused “a significant amount of damage” and that the case is being treated as a deliberate act of arson.
Political Context
Governor Josh Shapiro was elected in 2022 and previously served two terms as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General. He was briefly considered as a vice presidential pick for Kamala Harris before she selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
