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Pennsylvania police arrested a 38-year-old man, Cody Balmer, on charges including attempted murder, terrorism, and aggravated arson following an early morning fire at the official residence of Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro. Authorities say the governor and his family were inside the Georgian-style mansion in Harrisburg when the fire broke out in a separate section of the building around 2:00 am local time on Sunday.
State police said the fire caused “a significant amount of damage” but was successfully extinguished. No injuries were reported.
Governor Shapiro, a prominent Democrat who was considered a potential vice-presidential pick in 2024, credited a state trooper with alerting his sleeping family and ensuring their safe evacuation. “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” he said in a statement.
Speaking later outside the residence, with a charred and broken window behind him, Shapiro condemned the rise in political violence. “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 okay, and it has to stop,” he said.
Authorities said Balmer scaled a fence to enter the property, carrying “homemade incendiary devices.” He reportedly spent several minutes evading law enforcement before setting the blaze.
District attorney Fran Chardo confirmed Balmer is in custody and said a criminal complaint is being prepared. The charges will also include aggravated assault against an “enumerated person” — a legal term often referring to public officials or law enforcement officers.
Shapiro, 51, was elected governor in 2022 after defeating a far-right candidate backed by former President Donald Trump.
