Suspect in custody after arsonist sets fire to Pennsylvania governor's mansion with Shapiro family inside
- Lori Lee WGOLV
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
WGOLV.COM - UPDATE - A suspect is in custody following an overnight fire (being investigated as arson) at the Pennsylvania governor's residence in Harrisburg, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
According to authorities, he is identified as 38-year-old, Cody Balmer of Harrisburg.
Police confirmed that Balmer hopped the fences, evaded the troopers, and set the fire.
The 38-year-old was apprehended in the Harrisburg area after Shapiro and his family were evacuated.
Balmer is facing aggravated assault and arson-related charges.
The suspect's photo has not yet been released.
Previous story -
The Pennsylvania State Police announced on Sunday that an overnight fire at the governor's residence in Pennsylvania is under investigation as arson.
Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were present in the residence when the fire was reported around 2 a.m. ET.
The following is a message from Governor Shapiro posted on his Facebook page:
Last night at about 2 AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene, and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.
Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family – and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.
The state police said that while the investigation is continuing, "the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson."
According to the state police, the fire caused "a significant amount of damage" to part of the residence.
Authorities are investigating whether the alleged arson attack could have been motivated by Gov. Shapiro's Jewish faith and the fact that the fire was set on the first night of Passover, according to a senior law enforcement official briefed on the investigation who spoke to ABC News.
Just hours before the fire, the Pennsylvania governor had posted a picture of his family's Passover Seder table on X, writing, "From the Shapiro family's Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!"
The Pennsylvania State Police is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fire.
Shapiro was elected as the governor of Pennsylvania in 2022 and was considered for the role of vice president for the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. However, she ultimately selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Prior to becoming governor, Shapiro served two terms as the state's attorney general.
PA State Police is on the scene leading this investigation and will keep the public updated.
LoriLee,
WGOLV
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