Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and his family were forced to evacuate their official residence early on Sunday due to an arson attack that severely damaged the mansion. The authorities arrested a man named Cody Balmer, 38, who was charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism, and other offenses. Law enforcement officials have not provided a specific motive for the attack, but Gov. Shapiro and his family were sleeping when the fires were set. They were awakened by a state trooper who alerted them to the fire, and they were moved to safety while firefighters extinguished the flames.
The suspect, Cody Balmer, was caught on surveillance footage checking out the governor’s mansion before breaking in and starting the fires. He threw homemade incendiary devices into two rooms of the mansion, causing significant damage. Balmer then fled the scene and was not immediately caught by the state police, but later turned himself in and was arrested. He admitted to setting the fires to state troopers and harbored hatred towards Governor Shapiro, according to the police affidavit. The charges against him include attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, reckless endangerment, terrorism, and aggravated assault.
The attack on the governor’s residence occurred shortly after Gov. Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of Passover with members of the local Jewish community in the state dining room of the mansion. The residence, a 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style building on the Susquehanna River, suffered significant damage to parts of the building, particularly the dining and piano rooms. Photos released by the authorities show the extent of the damage, including singed walls, broken windows, and blackened floors. The governor’s residence is a historic landmark in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and is open to the public for tours.
Gov. Shapiro, a Democrat, rose to prominence last year when he was considered as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris during the presidential election. He has been an outspoken critic of the current political climate in America, citing too much vitriol in politics. The attack on his residence was a disturbing event that could have resulted in tragedy if not for the swift actions of the state troopers and firefighters. The incident has garnered national attention, with many expressing shock and concern over the safety of elected officials and their families.
The suspect, Cody Balmer, was taken to a hospital for a medical event unrelated to the attack or his arrest, and will be arraigned once he is released. The state police are continuing their investigation into the motive behind the attack and are working to ensure the safety of Gov. Shapiro and his family moving forward. The incident has raised questions about security measures at the governor’s residence and the protection of elected officials from potential threats. It serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by public figures in today’s volatile political climate and the importance of taking precautions to ensure their safety.
