HARRISBURG, PA. — A 38-year-old man from Harrisburg has been arrested and charged with multiple serious crimes, including attempted murder and terrorism, following a suspected arson attack at the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro late Sunday night. Authorities believe the incident was not random, but a deliberate and targeted act of violence.
The accused, identified as Cody Balmer, was apprehended shortly after the fire was discovered at the governor’s home. At the time of the attack, Governor Shapiro, a Democrat, and his family were asleep inside the residence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the situation could have ended in tragedy had emergency responders not acted quickly.
According to early reports from law enforcement and state officials, Balmer allegedly set a fire at or near the residence during the overnight hours. Fire crews responded swiftly, preventing the flames from spreading or causing major damage. Still, the nature and location of the incident have raised significant concerns about the safety of public officials and the threat of politically motivated violence.
Governor Shapiro had hosted a traditional Passover seder meal at the residence just hours before the fire was set. The timing of the attack—during a significant religious observance—has prompted investigators to consider all potential motives, including ideological or religious animus. However, officials have not yet released information pointing to a definitive motive, emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing.
Pennsylvania State Police, along with federal partners, have taken over the case due to the severity of the charges. Balmer is facing a broad array of criminal accusations, including attempted murder, arson, terrorism, reckless endangerment, and other related offenses. The terrorism charges, in particular, reflect a belief by prosecutors that the act was intended to instill fear and cause disruption at a high level of government.
In a public statement Monday morning, Governor Shapiro confirmed the arrest and described the incident as “a targeted and deeply troubling attack” on both his family and the office he holds. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their rapid response and to emergency crews for containing the fire. “While we are shaken, we are safe,” Shapiro said. “We will not be intimidated.”
The suspect, Cody Balmer, remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned later this week. Court records indicate that he has a prior criminal history, although it is not yet clear if he has had any previous interactions with state officials or if he was known to law enforcement prior to this event.
Security at the governor’s residence and other state-owned properties has been heightened in the wake of the incident, as officials reassess protective measures for elected leaders and their families. The attack has also renewed discussions about the rising threats faced by public servants across the country, particularly in politically charged environments.
While authorities continue to sift through evidence and determine Balmer’s motivations, the incident underscores growing concerns about domestic threats and the vulnerability of even high-profile political figures. Investigators are expected to release additional findings later this week.
For now, the attempted arson at the heart of Pennsylvania’s capital serves as a stark reminder that even in the relative safety of home, public officials and their loved ones are not immune from danger.
