Man Arrested for Alleged Arson Attack at Pennsylvania Governor's Residence

Authorities have arrested Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old man, following a suspected arson attack at the Pennsylvania Governor's official residence. Charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault, Balmer's arrest coincided with a nighttime fire that affected the Harrisburg home of Governor Josh Shapiro. Shapiro, a prominent political figure and potential presidential candidate, expressed his emotional response during a news conference, revealing that his family had safely evacuated the premises despite significant damage to their home.

The incident occurred just hours after Shapiro and his family celebrated Passover at home. Although the motives behind Balmer's actions remain undetermined, police deputy commissioner George Bivens indicated that Balmer possessed a homemade incendiary device at the time of his arrest. Investigations reveal that he was able to access the governor's residence by scaling a fence. The blaze was contained by the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, which focused on the evacuation while police prioritized safely escorting the Shapiro family to safety. A $10,000 reward had previously been offered for information leading to any arrest, although it is unclear if that led to Balmer's apprehension.

The governor and his wife, Lori, are parents to four children, and Shapiro, who took office in 2023 after serving as the state's attorney general, is viewed as a key political figure in the state, with aspirations that extend to national politics. The Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, a substantial Georgian-style building established in 1968, has seen various governors over the years, and the recent attack raises broader concerns regarding political safety in America.