On Sunday evening police announced they arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer in connection with the fire set to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion.
“Balmer will be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person,” Fox News reported.
As TGP reported earlier, an arsonist allegedly set fire to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Pennsylvania State Police, who safely evacuated the family from the residence.
Shapiro’s full statement Sunday morning:
“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.”
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…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
During a Sunday evening presser, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said Balmer hopped a fence before starting the fire.
“He actively evaded troopers who were here to secure the residence,” Bivens said. “While [law enforcement] were searching is when he attacked at the residence, broke in and set the fires.”
“So that was all playing out over a period of several minutes. It was a very quick event that occurred, and, and again, troopers were actively searching for him at the time,” Bivens said.
Governor Shapiro denounced the attack during the presser.
“This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” Shapiro said. “And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another. It is not okay and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
Watch the full presser here:
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