HARRISBURG, Pa. — A 38-year-old man broke into the governor’s residence and set fires early Sunday as Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept after celebrating the first night of Passover, authorities said.
They identified the suspect as Cody Balmer, of Harrisburg, and said he would be charged later Sunday with attempted murder, aggravated arson, aggravated assault and terrorism-related counts.
No motive was given for the attack but authorities said more details would be released in arrest paperwork filed later Sunday.
Shapiro and other officials held a news conference late Sunday afternoon outside the charred residence.
Balmer entered the grounds by climbing a fence and broke into the home about 2 a.m. as state police tried to determine the source of the breach, said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police.
“He clearly had a plan," Bivens said. "He was very methodical in his approach … and carried it out in a very short period of time."
Bivens said Balmer was armed with what he described as “homemade incendiary devices” and "actively evaded troopers" as they searched for an intruder.
Balmer was in the residence for less than a minute and fled before being arrested later in the day Sunday, Bivens said.
Emotional Shapiro expresses gratitude
An emotional Shapiro said his family was shaken by the events but would not be deterred.
"This kind of violence is not OK,” he said. “It has to stop. We have to be better than this. We have a responsibility to all be better.
“If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as governor, rest assured I will find a way to work even harder for the people of Pennsylvania.
"If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community who celebrated our Passover Seder in that room last night … no one will deter me or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.”
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.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 13, 2025
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were…
Shapiro said he was grateful to state police for safely waking and evacuating his family, and banging on their door to alert them of an emergency.
He also expressed gratitude to firefighters who responded and all who reached out Sunday in the aftermath of the blaze.
“Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and the messages of support that we have received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United States,” he said.
“I want you all to know that your prayers lift us up. And in this moment of darkness we are choosing to see light and we appreciate the light that you have shined upon us.”
“Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and the messages of support that we have received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United States.”Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 2 a.m. to the Governor's Residence on North Front Street in Dauphin County, according to state police.
State police said the fire caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence.
No one was injured and the fire was extinguished in about 30 minutes, according to authorities.
"The Governor and his family were present in a different part of the residence. They were evacuated safely and were not injured," state police said earlier Sunday in a news release.
Pennsylvania State Police Troop H was spearheading a multi-agency investigation.
Shapiro took to social media shortly after to express his appreciation for the quick response by police and firefighters.
"Last night at about 2 a.m., 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," he said on X.
"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."
On Saturday night, Shapiro posted a photo of the family Seder table celebrating the first night of Passover.
On Sunday, fire damage was visible on the residence's south side, primarily to a large room often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Large west-facing windows were completely missing their glass panes and doors stood ajar amid signs of charring.
There is a reward of up to $10,000 offered through PSP Tips for the arrest and conviction for the individual(s) responsible for the fire, state police said. Anyone with information should call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).
"This is a fast-moving investigation, and details will be provided as appropriate," the release said.
