HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man is in custody as Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are investigating what they call "an act of arson" at the home of Governor Josh Shapiro early Sunday morning.
PSP and the Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo have confirmed that they have arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer from Harrisburg in connection with the arson.
District Attorney Chardo says Balmer will be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person, according to officials.
PSP states the investigation is ongoing, but they are prepared to say at this time that it was "an act of arson."
PSP says members of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire were called to the Governor's house on North Front Street just after 2:00 a.m. for the report of a structure fire.
The fire was extinguished successfully, but it did cause a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence, according to the release.
Chardo states that Balmer gained access to the property by jumping over a fence and acted "surreptitiously" once on the property.
Firefighters battle Scranton structure fire
Officials say Balmer acted quickly by starting the fire inside the home within minutes. It is not known at this time how the fire was started.
The Governor and his family were home at the time, but were safe and unharmed.
The Pennsylvania State Police were on-scene and are spearheading a multi-agency investigation.
There is a reward of up to $10,000 offered through PSP Tips for the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible. Anyone with information should call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday also released a statement in part, saying he is glad the family is safe and is ready to provide "any resources necessary to find the culprit."
Governor Shapiro did release a statement on the attempted arson of his house last night:
Last night at about 2AM, 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. @PAStatePolice is on the scene leading this investigation and will keep the public updated.
Governor Josh Shapiro
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis released a statement saying:
"Blayre and I are relieved to know the Shapiro family is safe and unharmed, and I'm confident the State Police will get to the bottom of who perpetrated this crime. I won't speculate on motivations, but I will say that targeting elected officials and their family members with violence is never acceptable. These sorts of acts deter good people from pursuing public service at a time when we desperately need more Americans to participate in our democracy."
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, who lived in that residence for eight years, also released a statement.
"Today I share the following thoughts in light of the overnight attack on the Pennsylvania State Governor's residence in Harrisburg. Michele and I are so thankful that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe after an overnight arson fire at the Governor's residence. We are also grateful for the Pennsylvania State Police who alerted the family in the early morning hours. We know well their commitment to protecting Pennsylvania's first families and send our gratitude for their service in the wake of this terribly upsetting event. The images showing the damage to the home we lived in with our children for nearly eight years are heartbreaking. All of us should feel safe in our homes, especially when that home is our state's official residence, which makes this particularly shocking. Whoever is responsible for this attack, to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth, must be held to account."
Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge
Pennsylvania House Representative of the 9th District, Dan Meuser, stated that:
“Violence has no place in our politics—none. I’m thankful that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe following last night’s terrible incident. No elected official or their loved ones—regardless of party—should ever have their safety threatened for serving the public. We live in a country where we resolve our differences through debate, elections, and the rule of law—not through fear, intimidation, or violence.What happened last night was not just an attack on one family—it was an attack on the values we all share as Americans. And it is particularly disgraceful that this occurred on Passover—a sacred time of faith, freedom, and reflection.I’m grateful to the Pennsylvania State Police, Capitol Police, and the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire for their swift response and for protecting the Governor’s family. We owe them our thanks and our full support." We must all stand united—Republicans and Democrats alike—in condemning these acts and making clear they will never be tolerated in our Commonwealth or our country. I look forward to these dangerous criminals being apprehended, prosecuted, and jailed to the fullest extent of the law.”
Pennsylvania House Representative of the 9th District Dan Meuser
Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) also issued a statement.
"The preliminary details about last night’s arson attack at the Governor’s Residence are beyond disturbing and I condemn this, and every act of political violence, in the strongest terms. I am glad to hear Gov. Shapiro and his family are safe and no injuries resulted from what appears to be a heinous act. I thank Capitol Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Harrisburg Fire Bureau for their swift action and ongoing efforts to bring the arsonists to justice.”
Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton)
Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Greg Rotham also issued this statement:
"Today's fire at the Governor's Mansion is shocking and troubling. I know I speak for all Republicans in saying we are grateful that Governor Shapiro, his family, and mansion staff are safe. Thank you to the Harrisburg Fire Department, PA State Police and all of the emergency services personnel for their hard work and dedication. If it is determined that this was a criminal act, those responsible should face swift justice. There is no place for violence, arson, and the destruction of property in our society."
Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Greg Rotham
Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd, on behalf of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, also issued the following statement in reaction to the incident:
My colleagues and I share the disbelief and outrage felt by all Pennsylvanians following the heinous attack on Governor Shapiro’s family at his residence last evening.On behalf of the Supreme Court, I extend my sincere support and concern for the governor and his family and gratitude to the first responders who acted quickly and courageously in the face of violence and hate. This moment calls for unity and resolve in support of those affected by this senseless and disturbing act.Acts of violence targeting our communities, neighbors, first responders and public officials are a stark reminder of the need for us to come together to reject hate and stand in solidarity and support for the institutions that unite us as Pennsylvanians.
Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd
Holding back tears, Governor Josh Shapiro stood in front of his fire-damaged home to address the media. There is some damage to the outside of the governor's residence after the arsonist set fire to it. Shapiro says his family was traumatized, adding that he does not tolerate any violence, especially during a time of Passover celebration. "Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and messages of support that we have received from those all over the state. No one will deter me or my family from serving our faith proudly and openly," Governor Shapiro said."First and foremost, I'm glad that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe, and violence is never the answer. I hope Governor Shapiro and his family can move through this and the person who is responsible is held accountable," Representative of Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District Rob Bresnahan stated.
