Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests were forced to evacuate the governor’s mansion in the early hours of Sunday morning after a man breached security and set a fire that caused significant damage to the historic residence.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg. He is facing multiple serious charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault. According to Pennsylvania State Police, Balmer scaled a nearly 7-foot-high iron security fence shortly before 2 a.m., evaded on-site officers, broke into the residence, and ignited an incendiary device before fleeing the scene.
State troopers pounded on the doors to alert the governor and his family, waking Shapiro, his wife, four children, and guests who had gathered to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover. They were able to evacuate safely, and firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported.
Speaking outside the damaged south wing of the mansion, Shapiro condemned the attack and vowed not to be deterred from his duties or his faith. “If the goal was to stop me from doing my job or practicing my beliefs, it failed,” Shapiro said. “We will not be held hostage by fear or hate.”
The fire was set in the state dining room, the very location where the Shapiros and members of the Harrisburg Jewish community had gathered for a traditional Passover seder just hours earlier. Broken windows, charred walls, and fire-blackened doors were visible, with a damaged piano, tables, and serving dishes seen through shattered glass panes.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive, but Lt. Col. George Bivens confirmed the attack appeared premeditated. Balmer was reportedly inside the mansion for less than a minute and used a homemade incendiary device. He was apprehended later on Sunday in the local area. Court records show he has a history of prior charges, including assault, theft, and forgery.
Shapiro’s response to the attack was both defiant and reflective. “This kind of violence is becoming far too common,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who it’s directed at — it’s unacceptable. We must be better than this.”
Support poured in from across the political spectrum. Vice President J.D. Vance called the attack “really disgusting violence” and offered prayers for the Shapiros. Former governors Mark Schweiker and Tom Ridge also condemned the incident, with Ridge calling the damage to the residence “heartbreaking.”
Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the FBI, have pledged support for the investigation. Authorities continue to search for a motive and review security procedures at the governor’s residence.
Governor Shapiro splits his time between the Harrisburg mansion and his family home in Abington. On Saturday, he had shared a photo of the family’s Passover table, celebrating the holiday just hours before the attack.
