Arson Attack Targets Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence During Passover, Suspect in Custody

HARRISBURG, PA. — In the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2025, the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was set ablaze in what authorities are calling a targeted arson attack. The fire, reported around 2 a.m., forced Shapiro, his wife Lori, their four children, two dogs, and another family to evacuate the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. No injuries were reported, but the blaze caused significant damage to the historic mansion along the Susquehanna River. A 38-year-old Harrisburg man, Cody Balmer, has been arrested and faces charges including attempted murder, terrorism, and aggravated arson, raising questions about political motives and the timing of the attack during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded swiftly to extinguish the flames, but not before the fire scorched walls, ceilings, and furniture, leaving remnants of a Passover Seder hosted by the Shapiro family hours earlier, including a “Passover Crafts” sign. Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris identified Balmer as the suspect, alleging he scaled a fence, evaded troopers, and used homemade incendiary devices—described as Molotov cocktails made from gasoline and beer bottles—to ignite the fire. “He clearly had a plan,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens. “He was very methodical in his approach.”

According to a criminal affidavit, Balmer admitted to “harboring hatred” toward Shapiro and said he would have attacked the governor with a hammer if confronted. Balmer reportedly broke a window to enter the residence, threw incendiary devices into multiple rooms, and fled within minutes. He turned himself in to police later Sunday after confessing to an ex-partner, who alerted authorities. The affidavit also noted Balmer’s awareness that people were likely inside, underscoring the potential for deadly consequences.

Governor Shapiro, speaking at a press conference Sunday afternoon, described waking to state troopers banging on the door to evacuate his family. “I’m obviously emotional,” he said, reflecting on the attack’s impact. “When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover, and it’s a story of going from bondage to freedom. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us.” Shapiro, who is Jewish, emphasized his resolve to continue celebrating his faith openly, stating, “No one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith proudly.”

The timing of the attack, hours after Shapiro’s Passover Seder, has sparked speculation about antisemitic motives, though authorities have not confirmed a specific reason. Shapiro declined to label the incident a hate crime but condemned the violence broadly: “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. It is not OK.” Some online discussions have pointed to Balmer’s reported disdain for Democrats and possible financial grievances, but investigators are still probing his intent.

Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo announced plans to charge Balmer with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault, with potential federal charges pending. The FBI’s Philadelphia field office is assisting in the investigation. A security review is underway to address how Balmer breached the residence’s perimeter undetected, with Shapiro expressing confidence in the Pennsylvania State Police to prevent future incidents.

The Governor’s Residence, a 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion built in 1968, has housed eight governors and sustained visible damage, including broken windows and charred interiors. Shapiro vowed to rebuild, supported by an outpouring of messages from across Pennsylvania and beyond. Former governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker condemned the attack, with Ridge calling the damage to the home he once occupied “heartbreaking.”

Balmer, who has a history of minor criminal charges, including a 2023 assault case, was hospitalized Monday for an unrelated medical issue and awaits arraignment in Dauphin County Prison. As the investigation continues, the attack has heightened concerns about the safety of elected officials amid a reported surge in violent threats nationwide.

“This type of violence is not OK,” Shapiro reiterated. “We have to be better than this.”

17GEN4.com