Pennsylvania State Police said during a news conference that a person is in custody regarding the fire set to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Sunday. Police had stated that the arsonist had caused a “significant amount of damage” to Shapiro’s home. Shapiro said during a news conference that he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family that had celebrated Passover on Saturday were inside the home when they were awakened by state troopers.
Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris said at a Sunday afternoon news conference that they have identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, PA. Balmer is said to have used a homemade incendiary device and evaded police who knew there had been a breach, with authorities stating that the suspect hopped over a fence surrounding the property and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire.
Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo said that forthcoming charges will include attempted murder, terrorism, attempted arson and aggravated assault, and emphasized that the investigation into the fire is ongoing.
PA State Police had earlier said in a statement: “On April 13, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., members of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded to the Governor’s Residence, located on North Front Street, Harrisburg City, Dauphin County, for the report of a fire. While the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson. While the fire was successfully extinguished, it caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence. The Governor and his family were present in a different part of the residence. They were evacuated safely and were not injured. There is a reward of up to $10,000 offered through PSP Tips for the arrest and conviction for the individual(s) responsible. Anyone with information should call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477). No additional information will be released at this time. However, this is a fast-moving investigation, and details will be provided as appropriate.”
In a statement posted to social media, 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. @PAStatePolice is on the scene leading this investigation and will keep the public updated.”
The Governor and his wife share four children together, Sophia, Jonah, Max and Reuben (Sophia and Jonah are legal adults, and Max and Rueben are minors). Just hours before the attack on the residence, the governor – who is Jewish – offered Passover well wishes and shared a photo of his Seder table on social media, writing on X: “From the Shapiro family’s Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said in an X post that he was “relieved” the governor and his family were safe, adding that “the Office of Attorney General stands ready with any resources needed to find the culprit of this senseless act of violence.”
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