HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were forced to flee their official residence in the early hours of Sunday morning after a fire — confirmed to be arson — broke out at the Governor’s Mansion while the family was asleep during Passover.
Authorities say the fire began around 2 a.m., just hours after the governor shared a photo of his family observing the first night of Passover. State police reported that a man had unlawfully entered the gated property on Saturday night before setting the fire.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Cody Balmer of Harrisburg, was apprehended by Pennsylvania State Police. He is facing multiple charges, including attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson, and assault against a public official, according to State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris.
Governor Shapiro took to social media on Sunday morning to confirm the incident. “At around 2AM, we were awakened by State Police after an arsonist started a fire at the Governor’s Residence. We were safely evacuated, thanks to quick action by law enforcement and the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire,” he wrote.
Officials said the blaze was concentrated on the south end of the mansion, in an area often used for public gatherings and art exhibits. While that portion of the residence suffered significant damage, the governor and his family had been sleeping in a separate section and were unharmed.
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State police classified the fire as an intentional act but have not yet disclosed a motive. The incident occurred during a major Jewish holiday, prompting some political leaders to express concern that it may have been motivated by antisemitism, although investigators have not confirmed this.
“This was an outrageous act of violence, especially during a sacred holiday,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL). “We’re thankful the governor and his family are safe.”
Lt. Governor Austin Davis condemned the attack, calling it a “shocking and unacceptable” act of violence against public officials and their loved ones. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) echoed those sentiments, stressing that such incidents must be prosecuted with the full force of the law.
Congressman Dan Meuser (R-PA), a potential challenger to Shapiro in a future election, said the arson wasn’t just an attack on one family, but “an affront to the values we share as a nation.” He also emphasized the unfortunate timing, pointing out that it occurred during Passover — a time associated with freedom and faith.
The Pennsylvania State Police are continuing their investigation and are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to additional suspects or insight into the motive.
The Governor’s Residence, located at 2035 North Front Street, has served as the official home to Pennsylvania’s governors and their families since 1968. Governor Shapiro, considered a rising star in the Democratic Party and a possible presidential candidate in 2028, has not commented further beyond confirming the safety of his family.
