In a shocking turn of events, the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was set on fire in the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2025. The incident occurred while Shapiro, his wife Lori, their four children, two dogs, and another family were sleeping. Fortunately, no one was injured, and everyone was safely evacuated from the residence. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer from Harrisburg, was arrested in connection with the alleged arson. Balmer is reportedly facing charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. The authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack.
According to reports, Balmer scaled a 7-foot iron security fence surrounding the governor’s residence and evaded police who were searching the grounds. He then broke into the southern wing of the residence and set a fire using a homemade incendiary device. The fire caused significant damage to a room often used for entertaining crowds and displaying art. The governor and his family were awakened by state troopers who banged on their doors at around 2 a.m., prompting their evacuation. Governor Shapiro, who is a prominent Democrat and a potential presidential candidate for the 2028 election, addressed the incident in an emotional press conference. He denounced the attack, stating, “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, or one particular person or another. It is not okay and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
Shapiro received an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. Vice President JD Vance, former Pennsylvania governors, and other officials condemned the attack and expressed their relief that no one was injured. The FBI and the Department of Justice have also pledged their support for the ongoing investigation. A security review is currently underway to determine how Balmer was able to enter the governor’s residence undetected. Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the attack, but many have speculated that it could be related to Shapiro’s faith, given that the incident occurred hours after the governor’s family hosted a Passover dinner.
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, a 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style home, has housed eight governors and their families since it was built in the 1960s. The residence is not only a symbol of the state’s leadership but also a place where the governor and his family can find safety and privacy. The recent attack has raised concerns about the security measures in place to protect elected officials and their families. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of Governor Shapiro and his family. The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the need for increased security around public officials and the importance of addressing violence in society.
