Shocking Attack: Man Sets Fire to Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence While Family Sleeps

HARRISBURG, PA — In a disturbing act of political violence, a Harrisburg man has been arrested after allegedly breaking into the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro early Sunday morning and starting a fire while the governor, his family, and house guests were asleep inside.

Authorities say Cody Balmer, 38, entered the residence by hopping the security fence and smashing two windows with a hammer before deploying homemade incendiary devices to ignite a fire. The residence, significantly damaged by the blaze, was safely evacuated by state police. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Governor Shapiro, his wife Lori, their four children, two dogs, and another family staying as guests were inside the residence at the time. They were awakened around 2 a.m. by troopers alerting them to the fire, following a report to emergency services of visible flames coming from the first floor.

According to a state police affidavit, Balmer stated he was angry at the governor and admitted he would have assaulted him with a hammer had they encountered each other during the break-in. He later turned himself in and confessed to using gasoline from a lawnmower mixed with beer bottles to create Molotov cocktails.

Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police described Balmer’s actions as “methodical” and noted that Balmer had “a clear plan.” Balmer, who faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism, and additional counts, is also expected in court this week for a separate 2023 assault case.

The FBI is now assisting state authorities in the investigation, and federal charges may be forthcoming.

Photos released by the state show severe fire damage to the historic 29,000-square-foot governor’s residence, including charred walls and ceilings, scorched furniture, and remnants of a Passover dinner hosted just hours earlier.

Speaking at an emotional press conference, Governor Shapiro condemned the attack as an assault not just on his family but on all Pennsylvanians. He called for unity and an end to political violence, vowing not to be “deterred” from his duties or his faith.

“We celebrated our Jewish faith proudly,” said Shapiro. “No one will stop us from doing that—not now, not ever.”

The attack comes amid a rising tide of threats and violence targeting public officials nationwide.