Pennsylvania authorities in the United States arrested a man from the city of Harrisburg who, according to them, broke into Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence on Sunday morning (15) and started a fire while he and his family slept.
Shapiro, his wife Lori, the four children, two dogs and another family were forced to withdraw from Harrisburg’s state residence, which was significantly damaged by the fire. There were no injuries.
Cody Balmer, 38, has surrendered to the police and is detained on charges of attempted murder, qualified criminal fire, terrorism and other fire-related accusations, which occurred hours after Shapiro and the family made an Easter dinner, authorities.
Balmer reported being annoyed with the governor and would have beaten him with a hammer if he confronted him, according to the statement given to the state police on the morning of Monday (14).
Shapiro, 51, was elected governor of Pennsylvania in 2022 after six years as state attorney general.
Preminent Democrat, he was one of several candidates considered for the mate of former vice-president Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential candidacy-being quoted as a potential presidential candidate for the 2028 race.
Elected authorities have an increase in violent threats in recent years – including a plan to kidnap Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2023 and two assassination attempts at President Donald Trump last year.
Family was agreed with knocking on the door
Balmer jumped around the residence, broke two windows with a hammer and entered the house, where he used “home incendress devices” to start the fire, according to the statement.
The detainee remained at the governor’s residence for less than a minute and “actively deflected” from the police who sought him at the same time, Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police reported.
“He clearly had a plan,” said Bives. “He was very methodical in his approach.”
After starting the fire, the detainee kicked the door of the dining room and fled the scene, according to the statement.
A person who called the emergency services reported a “large fire on the first floor” of the governor’s residence, adding that he could “see the fire through the windows”, according to the scanner audio obtained by CNN .
Shapiro and the family woke up around 2 am (local time) on Sunday (14) with strong blows at the door, made by one of the state police designated by the team, warning them of the flames, the governor recalled.
The Harrisburg Fire Department answered around 2 am and extinguished the flames, according to the State Police.
Shapiro, the family and the guests were safely removed by the authorities.
A safety review is underway “to determine how we can ensure that a situation like this is not repeated,” said the lieutenant colonel.
Suspect told police that he made explosives with beer and gasoline bottles
After Balmer fleeing the scene, a woman who identified herself as a former partner called police stating that Balmer had confessed to starting the fire, according to the statement.
Cody Balmer then surrendered to the police station, the authorities told.
He told police that he removed gasoline from a grass cutter and poured it into beer bottles to make Molotov cocktails, who played at the governor’s house, according to the statement.
Balmer admitted to “nurturing hatred” for Shapiro and said that if the governor had found him in the house, he would have hit him with a hammer, according to the testimony.
In conversation with authorities, the accused said it was possible for Shapiro and other people to be at home at the time.
Cody Balmer’s arrest occurs days before he was expected in court for a fault confession hearing in a separate case, resulting from a simple accusation of 2023, according to the state court records.
THE CNN contacted the lawyer who represents Balmer in the case.
In another occurrence, he stated guilty in 2016 for falsifying documents and theft by mistake, showed court documents.
Balmer may also face federal accusations, said the district prosecutor.
FBI’s field office in Philadelphia is assisting the state police in the investigation, the agency told the agency CNN by email.
Fire leaves the governor’s historical residence “significantly damaged”
According to the state police, the fire caused “significant damage” to the governor’s residence in Harrisburg.
Walls and ceilings are burned, with floors covered with ash and destroyed furniture, show photos.
There are traces of the Easter dinner offered by the governor on Saturday (12) – including a plaque with the words “Easter handicrafts”.
Pennsylvania’s residence is a 2,700 square meter building in Georgian style on the banks of the Susquehanna River, which housed eight governors and their families since its conclusion in 1968, according to the Pennsylvania government.
The first floor of the residence houses temporary and permanent art exhibitions.
Shapiro condemned violence in US politics and said he refuses to be “dissuaded”
At a press conference on Sunday (13), the governor said that the fire was an attack not only to his family, but “the entire Pennsylvania community.”
He expressed gratitude for the support messages and prayers he and his family received, including various politicians.
Republican Vice President JD Vance called the attack on “really disgusting violence,” and American Senator John Fetterman, Pennsylvania’s Democrat, described him as “truly terrifying.”
THANKS BE TO GOD THAT GOVERNOR SHAPIRO AND HIS FAMILY WERE UNHARMED IN THIS ATTACK.
Really disgusting violence, and i hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice. https://t.co/u47c6mxvdp
– Jd Vance (@jdvance) April 14, 2025
“I want everyone to know that their prayers raise us and, in this moment of darkness, we are choosing to see the light,” said Josh Shapiro, thrilled.
He harshly criticized the political violence on both sides.
“This kind of violence is not acceptable,” said Shapiro, raising his voice. “We have to be better than that.”
Still, Shapiro said it will not be “intimidated” by the alleged attack. “If this individual was trying to stop me from doing my work as governor, rest assured, I will find a way to strive even more than before,” he said.
The governor also highlighted pride for his Jewish faith.
“If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us to a Pessach Seder in that salon last night, listen to me: we celebrate our faith last night with pride, and within hours, we will celebrate our second Pessach sector,” he exclaimed.
“No one will prevent me, my family or any citizen of Pennsylvania we celebrate our open faith and proudly.”
This content was originally published in The Known About Fire in the House of Governor of Pennsylvania, in the US on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
