Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke out after an arsonist set his official residence ablaze, forcing him, his family, and their visitors to flee over the Passover weekend.
The fire broke out just hours after the Shapiro family hosted a Passover dinner on Saturday, prompting them to flee their home after being jolted awake by police loudly knocking at the door, Shapiro told reporters Sunday. The house was badly damaged in the blaze.
Cody Balmer, 38, has been charged with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism, and several related offenses, according to an affidavit from the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office. During a Sunday press conference, District Attorney Fran Chardo noted that federal charges may also be pursued.
Balmer was arrested in Harrisburg on Sunday afternoon and, according to prosecutors, confessed to the attack during an interview with state troopers. The affidavit also alleges that Balmer told investigators he would have attacked the governor with a hammer if given the chance.
In a post on social media Sunday morning, Shapiro wrote:
"Last night at about 2AM, 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. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police."
"Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe."
You can see what he wrote below.
And in a speech before reporters, he said that while Balmer's motives are still being determined, he condemned the act of violence:
"This type of violence is not okay. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society and I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, directed at one particular person or another."
"It is not okay and it has to stop. We have to be better than this. We have a responsibility to all be better."
You can hear what he said in the video below.
Many on both sides of the aisle praised Shapiro's remarks and offered their well wishes, including Vice President JD Vance.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said investigators are treating the incident as both an arson and attempted homicide case, but noted they do not anticipate conspiracy charges being filed. Bivens described Balmer as acting swiftly—spending less than a minute inside the Shapiro home, with the entire incident unfolding over just a few minutes.
The break-in and arson occurred even as troopers were actively searching for Balmer on the property. “He actively evaded troopers who were here to secure the residence,” Bivens said, confirming that a security review is now underway.
Balmer has a history of criminal charges in Pennsylvania. He pleaded guilty to forgery and theft in 2015, again to forgery in 2016, and is facing an open assault case from 2023, according to court records.
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